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Carter Chalupnik, 11 months, sits by the pumpkin patch set up Saturday at the Imperial Market Days in downtown Imperial. (BRANDY RONEK PHOTO / October 21, 2012) |
IMPERIAL — Despite the warm afternoon sun, throngs of people turned out for the city’s annual Market Days farmers market in the downtown area Saturday. The event offered patrons a variety of food and music as well as hundreds of items available for purchase from dozens of vendors.
And of course, there were the pies from the Julian Pie Co.
“We used to sell out early,” Councilman Mark Gran said of the popular pastries, “but now we have extras.”
Aside from the pies, the quality and price of the fresh produce is what brought Imperial resident Kati Lovell to the farmers market. She and her family have been attending the events for years.
“It’s small-town fun,” she said.
While her husband, Raymond, ticked off the numerous tasty items he was looking forward to eating, Kati noted that they were sure to be going home with fresh produce as well.
“You have to get the healthy stuff, too,” she said.
The couple said they were expecting to spend a considerable amount of time and money at the event.
There was space for about 100 vendors at the event, said city planning director Jorge Galvan.
While it was her first year selling items at the market, Erika Coronel said she had quite a number of shoppers buy from her booth, which contained personal items such as purses, sunglasses and cloth mantles.
“It’s a good opportunity to make extra money,” the Imperial resident said.
She also enjoyed seeing the crowd of people out having a good time.
The event was sponsored by the city and its chamber of commerce and is scheduled to happen once a month until April. The event was created to draw more interest and shoppers to the city’s downtown area along Imperial Avenue.
“In some instances it has helped,” Gran said.
The theme of Saturday’s event was Oktoberfest, while next month’s is to have a Thanksgiving Day theme, as well as snow in December, Gran said.
The market was a family affair for El Centro resident Rauna Fox. Her mother was able to buy a coveted pie, her daughter and niece were able to hang out with their friends, and she was able to stock up on fresh produce.
Inside the two stuffed grocery bags she carried back to her car were red potatoes, cucumbers, limes and onions.
“You can’t cook anything without onions,” she said.
Staff Writer, Copy Editor can be reached at 760-337-3415 or at jmorales@ivpressonline.com
And of course, there were the pies from the Julian Pie Co.
“We used to sell out early,” Councilman Mark Gran said of the popular pastries, “but now we have extras.”
Aside from the pies, the quality and price of the fresh produce is what brought Imperial resident Kati Lovell to the farmers market. She and her family have been attending the events for years.
“It’s small-town fun,” she said.
While her husband, Raymond, ticked off the numerous tasty items he was looking forward to eating, Kati noted that they were sure to be going home with fresh produce as well.
“You have to get the healthy stuff, too,” she said.
The couple said they were expecting to spend a considerable amount of time and money at the event.
There was space for about 100 vendors at the event, said city planning director Jorge Galvan.
While it was her first year selling items at the market, Erika Coronel said she had quite a number of shoppers buy from her booth, which contained personal items such as purses, sunglasses and cloth mantles.
“It’s a good opportunity to make extra money,” the Imperial resident said.
She also enjoyed seeing the crowd of people out having a good time.
The event was sponsored by the city and its chamber of commerce and is scheduled to happen once a month until April. The event was created to draw more interest and shoppers to the city’s downtown area along Imperial Avenue.
“In some instances it has helped,” Gran said.
The theme of Saturday’s event was Oktoberfest, while next month’s is to have a Thanksgiving Day theme, as well as snow in December, Gran said.
The market was a family affair for El Centro resident Rauna Fox. Her mother was able to buy a coveted pie, her daughter and niece were able to hang out with their friends, and she was able to stock up on fresh produce.
Inside the two stuffed grocery bags she carried back to her car were red potatoes, cucumbers, limes and onions.
“You can’t cook anything without onions,” she said.
Staff Writer, Copy Editor can be reached at 760-337-3415 or at jmorales@ivpressonline.com
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