Most Viewed Stories
Orland woman to lead farmers' markets
• ORLAND: Starts June 2, runs 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Saturday at Library Park, Fourth and Mill streets, until Oct. 27.
• WILLOWS: Starts June 6, runs 4-7 p.m. each Wednesday on South Butte Street in downtown area, until Oct. 31.
For more information, call 934-4601, Ext. 5 or visit the Resource Conservation District Office, 132 N. Enright Ave., Suite C, Willows.
The 2012 season of the Glenn County Certified Farmers Markets will have a new manager at their helm.
Lisa Tietz has been appointed to manage the markets in Willows and Orland and takes the reins from Claudia Street with the Glenn County Resource Conservation District.
The markets begin June 2 in Orland and will end Oct. 31 in Willows after being expanded one month from the previous two years.
Tietz, of Orland, has been active in numerous groups and causes in that city, including its Centennial Committee, the Parks and Recreation Commission and working with the Fire Department.
Her goal for 2012 is to make the markets a family destination, Tietz said, where people can not only buy fruits and vegetables, but also come for entertainment and education.
"I envision happy shoppers enjoying a relaxing time with family and friends," she said. "I see happy vendors that can provide fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheeses, eggs, meats, baked goods and more as well as artisan goods and crafts."
Market sub-committees have been formed to work on the entertainment, she said, along with educational opportunities.
The conservation district already has demonstrations about water issues and children's activities, Tietz said, and hopefully other groups will join.
The committee is looking specifically into activities for the Halloween day market in Willows.
"I like helping out and it is something that needs to be done," Tietz said, explaining why she was interested in the position.
The market was started by the conservation district in 2010 with a USDA grant and has grown significantly.
However, the grant funding is gone and the RCD and Market Committee are looking for other ways to sustain the markets.
With that in mind, Tietz said, she is seeking sponsors to help with advertising and other costs through donations or other means.
"Countywide community support is needed," she added. "We are all in this together. It is not just Orland or Willows."
Vendors need to continue coming to the markets and buyers should patronize them every week to keep them successful.
That is why residents can show their support by simply showing up once the markets start and spreading the word about their products.
"I love the farmers markets in Chico," Tietz said. "They do a great job, but we are trying to keep people here."
Some of the Glenn County vendors also go to Chico or vice versa, so there is no need to go to Chico when the Glenn County markets are open, she said.
Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.
