Featured LEISURE

Farmer’s market invites shoppers to chill

Those visiting the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market may sit in cool comfort at tables covered with new 10-foot canopies. (courtesy of Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market)


Farmer’s market invites shoppers to chill


By John Gregory

Beverly Cassity, manager of the weekly Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market and Family Festival, recently took time to offer a market update and an  invitation.

“This is an open invitation to all families, friends and businesses in Scripps Ranch to come and enjoy what we’ve created over the past 3 ½ years,” she said. “This is a place where you can bring your children, walk your dog, bring your family, bring your friends, bring your co-workers for a wonderful, cool evening out with fantastic food.”

The Farmer’s Market is averaging 60 vendors each Thursday and has room to grow even bigger, Cassity said. Thirty-three of those are food vendors, and 13 of them serve hot food, offering a selection of culinary delights from around the globe. These vendors serve everything from Southern barbecue, sushi and Thai food to stone fired pizza. 

“You name it, we’ve got it for you,” Cassity said. 

She emphasized that the food booths include five different bakeries, each with its own distinct offerings. 

The number of food vendors has grown significantly. In fact, the market has created a new row of booths just for the food area. 

“We set up five 8-foot tables, all covered with brand new 10-foot canopies so people can sit in comfort,” Cassity said.

She also mentioned that almost every food vendor has cold drinks available on these warm afternoons. The drinks available include the popular Thai and boba teas.

Now, Farmer’s Market customers may take their food into nearby Newtopia Cyder to dodge the sun and enjoy adult beverages. They may savor their food on Newtopia’s deck or out front in chairs on the grass.

Grownups are always encouraged to meet friends at Newtopia after visiting the market. Those who don’t consume alcohol can visit the Hunters of Hendrix coffee shop in the same complex to enjoy Dark Horse coffee selections.

More steps have been taken to lessen the summer heat for Farmer’s Market customers.

“Every vendor will be shaded, so when you’re purchasing anything, you can step underneath the canopies,” Cassity said. “We tell people, if the weather is hot, maybe wait a few hours until it cools off before attending.”

She also reminded pet owners to use dog booties for their canine companions, so they won’t burn their paws on the hot ground in the summer.

Most importantly, the Farmer’s Market is great for families. Parents can bring their students directly from school pick-up to have an enjoyable time at the market with plenty to keep them interested. Or families can attend later for dinner and also do the week’s shopping for fresh produce.

“We feel that we‘ve created a family friendly event. We have a lot of stuff for the kids to do,” Cassity said. “We want the children to be able to go to the farmer’s (booths) and ask about the produce. We want them to go to the chefs in the food booths and ask about how their food was prepared. Ask, ‘What is that? What does that word mean?’”

The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market and Family Festival offers more than fresh food and produce. 

“We have a gentleman who started his own business. He’s a 3D printer. He prints the most beautiful toys for children I’ve ever seen in my life,” Cassity said. “I’ve actually bought three of them already. He can print anything in 3D.”

In addition, customers can peruse the many offerings while listening to music provided by a live deejay.

Parking is no longer a problem since construction on Businesspark Avenue has ended on the west side of the block, where access is available along the street. Parking is also available along the chain link fence in the Cabrillo Credit Union lot just to the east. Many more parking spaces are available across Carroll Canyon Road in the lower lots of National University.

The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market is open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.