Green beans, honey, barbecue, pastas, apricots and more will be on sale as part of the grand opening of the Scotts Valley Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 1.
This is the fifth market to be launched by the nonprofit Santa Cruz Farmers Market, and Scotts Valley business owners taking part in the market are excited about the possibilities.
“A farmers market is an opportunity for the community to come together,” said Steve Simmonovich, owner of Santa Cruz Pasta Factory in Scotts Valley. “It gives kids the opportunity to see where food really comes from rather than the prepacked stuff at (the grocery store).”
The Pasta Factory, which sells its goods at 30 farmers markets, will offer a wide variety of ravioli and other pastas along with more than a dozen sauces.
The market will run year-round on Saturdays, rain or shine. It is the second Saturday market in the county. The other, the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College, is a separate entity from Santa Cruz Farmers Market.
Rosanna Herrera, the owner of Bruno’s BBQ, will serve her barbecue sandwiches and meals at the market, which will feature about 30 vendors.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to get together who normally wouldn’t,” Herrera said. “It’s nice to have something in your own backyard.”
Kelly Gladder from Mint in Scotts Valley said the store will sell tri-tip and smoked salmon along with carrot cake using carrots from local farmers.
“We utilize products from the farmers,” Gladder said.
As part of the grand opening, there will be live music, raffles, kids activities and café-style seating for the grand opening, along with a special Seasonal Griller’s Delight to showcase grilling ingredients found at the market.
One limitation — organizers ask if dog owners will leave Fido or Spot at home or tied outside the market. The Santa Cruz County Department of Health does not allow animals, except for service animals, into certified farmers markets.
At a glance:
WHAT: Scotts Valley Farmers Market
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
WHERE: Scotts Valley Community Center parking lot, 370 Kings Village Road
DETAILS: Free admission; no animals allowed
