By Jaime Yarbrough

As I approach The Club for my morning workout in the fog at 06:45, my attention is immediately drawn to the white, blue, and greet tents populating the Del Norte County Fairgrounds. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and up at the crack of dawn.  As I climb onto the treadmill I look over to catch people taking plastic totes out of their cars and setting up tables.  At exactly 08:35, the first curl of smoke arises from the tents, breakfast is on it’s way !

09:05, entering the Farmers Market the BBQ scent is think in the air. People are everywhere lining up for pastries, Filipino pancit,  talking to the vendors and packaging up their purchases. Speaking with Ron Philips, the Farmers Market manager, he says last year there were 55-60 vendors. This years there’s been about a 15% increase with several first timers. The patron size varies but has been healthy throughout the summer with close to 40% coming from tourists passing by going north or south on Highway 101.

After seeing several people I know both customers and vendors I buy a jar of some of the finest sweet mustard I’ve ever had, a BBQ breakfast sandwich for  and a Pesto roll before heading out.  This community event is what Del Norte county and Northern California is all about.

We are fortunate to  have it. 

Come on Down !