Event joins free concert at

Ramona Park

By Mike Hodgson/Associate Editor

The Grover Beach Farmers Market will open for the first time from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Ramona Garden Park in conjunction with the Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series.

It may be appropriate that the concert will feature the band Impromptu, because although organizers have been working on launching the farmers market for some time, it was just approved by the City Council last week.

Julie Andrews Scott, who is managing the market, said the vendors lined up so far will offer fresh fruits and vegetables, including strawberries and raspberries, as well as cut flowers, tropical plants, bamboo, eggs, jams, jellies and salsa and such craft items as aprons and planters.

Visitors also will be able to buy kettlecorn, baked goods, crepes, barbecued tri-tip, sausages, pita bread, hummus, churros, tamales, taquitos, Kona coffee, fresh juices, beer and wine.

Advertisement

Games and activities will be offered for children of all ages, including sack races, Hula Hoop activities, gardening, food demonstrations and performances by Coastal Dance and Central Coast Gymnastics.

Yoga and massage therapy also will be available.

“It's kind of a community wellness fair at the market because that's my bias,” Scott said.

The initial market, at Ramona Avenue and 10th Street, one block north of West Grand Avenue, coincides with this month's Sizzlin' Summer Concert, featuring Impromptu, presented by the Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

A four-person group based in San Luis Obispo, Impromptu performs a fusion of acoustic and electric rock, with Caribbean rhythms and sometimes spiced with funk and country.

But live music is planned at the market even on Sundays when the Sizzlin' Summer Concerts are not presented, Scott said.

On Aug. 24, the market will coincide with the Stone Soup Music Faire.

Other upcoming performers will include Pure Heat on Aug. 31, Believers on Sept. 7, Up in the Air on Sept. 14, the House Red Band on Sept. 21, Critical Mass on Sept. 28, Full Circle on Oct. 5, a country group Oct. 12, the Celtic dance group Hear the Darlings Roar on Oct. 19 and the Mighty Croon Dogs on Oct. 26.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks will be on sale in the Ramona Garden Center this Sunday, with proceeds used to offset the cost of presenting the Sizzlin' Summer Concerts.

Residents and visitors are invited to bring low-backed lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Children can also play on the park's play structures.

For more information or to become a vendor at the market, call Scott at 602-8266.

August 16, 2008