Farmers market coming to fair

The Glenn County Farmers Market is branching out prior to the summer season by opening a General Store at the county fair.

Vendor applications are available through May 8.

The store will be located in the Whitsett-Cook Building and run 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., May 17-20.

Coordinator Carol Avellino said she is hoping to get at least 10 to 15 sellers at the store, who will participate in the market's Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign.

Avellino is part of the Farmers Market Advisory Committee and took on this challenge because she thought it would be fun.

The General Store market is not certified like the other farmers markets in Orland and Willows, said Kandi Manhart, with the Glenn County Resource Conservation District.

Certified farmers markets certify the produce or products sold are grown or produced by the seller.

The RCD originated the certified farmers markets with a USDA grant and got them going two years ago.

Now, it is working with advisory committee members to make the markets sustainable.

At the fair, Avellino said the store will be selling cheese, eggs, honey, jam, nuts and rice or nonperishable items.

May is a little early for produce, she said, but it may be selling some beef. Refrigeration will be available.

There also could be some crafts items sold there as well.

The goal of the store is to "gear up for the farmers market season coming up," Avellino said.

Those whose products may not be available until later in the season can display promotional materials, she said, such as business cards, logos and farm signs.

There is no fee to participate, Avellino said. Sale proceeds will be distributed with vendors getting 60 percent, the fair receiving 20 percent and the Farmers Market receiving 20 percent.

Avellino also is asking vendors to donate two hours to man the store during the fair.

"Some will likely have family showing stock," she said, so the store could provide them a respite from other fair activities.

Avellino owns Cowgirl Eggs in Orland and said the Market Advisory Committee has about 12 members who meet as needed at the RCD office in Willows.

For more information, call 864-5514 or e-mail Avellino at avellino@clearwire.net.