Throngs of people were in Old Town on Friday, May 12, to enjoy the comfortable temperatures of spring and welcome the season’s start of the Farmer’s Market. This year, ArtHop will again be part of the weekly event with a variety of art, culture and fun.
“We are excited about this year’s ArtHop,” said Wendy of Business Organization of Old Town (B.O.O.T.). “So far, there are 18 spots taken … we provide the 13-foot-by-13-foot space and artists provide their own set up.”
Much of the ArtHop area is located along Fourth Street. Artists have a specified area to showcase or demonstrate their work for up to 10,000 possible customers during the 21 evenings ArtHop is active.
Creativity was everywhere, as photographers, artists and writers displayed their work. There was something for everyone.
Sugar’s Succulents demonstrated how plants become art. MixedBeadia, featured original wearable art made by Bonnie Lind.
“I get inspired by what I see,” says Lind, whose pieces included one-of-a-kind unique necklaces. “I’ve found a lot of old things that I can turn into jewelry.”
Well-known local authors, W.T. F. Morton and Gary Wayne Walker were on hand with their books. Morton expands on his time in the U.S. Marine Corps with “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” and Walker displayed his two novels, “Vengeance is Mine” and “Vengeance Unbound.”
Located on Pollasky Avenue between Third and Fifth Streets, the Farmer’s Market has been a Central Valley tradition for about 28 years. Every Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., May through September, visitors can find some of the freshest locally grown produce at budget friendly prices, listen and dance to live music and sample delicious food. What better opportunity to enjoy everything from maple bacon almonds to shave ice?
There is even an information booth located between 4th and 5th Streets on Pollasky Avenue.
Certified organic producers, Farmer and the Dale, offered produce, along with certified producers that include G.T. Florists, Sumner-Peck, Shasky Farms, & Herbs and Mao Farms.
The Farmers Market gives back to the community by supporting the NOSH Program, which stands for “To Provide, To Nourish, To Give.” It is an “eat one-give one” program that provides nourishing fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need. Food is distributed through five Clovis food pantries.
Some of the well-known food vendors include Yosemite Concessions, Salsa’s Restaurant, Bobby Salazar’s, Bowlzeye, Scoops, Soups & More, Mattie’s Pizza, Glacier Bay Shave Ice, Good Time Kettle Korn, Sanchez Corn, Baba’s Foods, Two Cities Coffee, Cuzin’ Babs and Raw Fresno. New specialty vendors include Ci’s Brioche, Ashjian Jams and Jellies and Sunshine and Sugar Bakery.
Classic vehicles were on display on Friday, including pristine Model A Fords, courtesy of the Sierra Chapter of Model As, Fresno. Visitors were treated to a trip down memory lane as they listened to period music while perusing vintage automobiles.
There are multiple options for those interested in participating in ArtHop or learning about future Farmer’s Markets, including featured live concerts. For more information visitoldtownclovis.org/farmers-market or call (559) 298-5774.