Valley seasonal farmers markets ready to open: save this list

• Find the best the Valley has to offer, including tree fruit, grapes, berries and farm fresh eggs

• It’s trendy to buy seasonal and local produce

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The central San Joaquin Valley’s seasonal farmers markets are gearing up for another season. From Madera to Tulare counties, the markets will be selling fruits, nuts, vegetables and homemade products to an increasing number of customers. Nationwide, the farmers market movement has grown over the last several years. In 2014, there were 8,268 farmers’ markets operating, up 180% since 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In the central San Joaquin Valley, the region’s farmers markets offer plenty of produce along with entertainment, specialty foods and crafts. So as the weather gets warmer get ready for some of your favorite tree fruit, berries and summer vegetables.

Here is a list you can clip and save:

Seasonal

When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays. May 13 through October.

Where: Pines Village in Bass Lake, 54310 Road 432

Details: (559) 642-6161

The Bass Lake market focuses on farm fresh produce, along with specialty items including honey, extra virgin olive oil and homemade jams. Live entertainment also is featured.

When: 7 a.m. to noon. Saturdays. May 2 through September.

Where: The Marketplace at El Paseo shopping center, Highway 99 and Herndon Avenue

Details: (559) 994-9292

This new market will include fresh fruits and vegetables, along with live entertainment, and activities for children, including pony rides. The market will start off with 20 to 25 vendors and grow from there, organizers said.

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursdays. May 14 through end of August

Where: Memorial Park, Kingsburg (First week on Draper Street)

Details: (559) 859-1722

Farm fresh fruits, vegetables and locally made cheese, raw honey, blueberries, and olive oil, are among the goods that will be sold at the Kingsburg farmers market. Market manager Daren Hess said that market will also coincide with Kingsburg’s summer band concerts.

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Begins May 9.

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M St., corner of M and Stanislaus streets

This downtown farmers market provides a steady supply of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays. May 6 through Oct. 28.

Where: Kern Street, between M and N streets in Fresno

Details: (559) 490-9966

The downtown market features a variety of vegetables, tree fruit, berries, citrus, food vendors and arts and crafts items.

When: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays. May 7 through October.

Where: True Value Home Center, 40596 Westlake Drive, Oakhurst

Details: 683-7117

Shoppers of this foothills market can find cut flowers, fresh eggs, fruit preserves, honey, herbs, bread, produce, olive oil and artisan goods.

When: 5:30-9 p.m. Fridays. May 8 through Sept. 25

Where: Pollasky Avenue, between Third and Fifth streets, Old Town Clovis

Details: (559) 298-5774

The Old Town Clovis farmers market, one of the Valley’s oldest and largest seasonal venues, provides a little bit of everything: fresh fruits, vegetables, farm fresh eggs, nuts, grass fed beef, food vendors, live crabs and entertainment.

When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays until Oct. 27.

Where: River Park, Blackstone and Nees avenues

Details: (559) 994-9292

River Park Farmers Market continues to maintain its focus on locally grown and organic food by offering produce from many vendors selling grapes, tree fruit, berries, vegetables and grass-fed meats.

When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays. May 20 through Aug. 19.

Where: G Street between 10th and 12th streets, downtown Reedley

Details: (559) 638-5484

Centered in one of the premier tree fruit growing regions of the state, the Reedley market is known for its abundance of peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots. Also a big draw at the beginning of the season are the growing number of berry farmers who will be showcasing their crop of blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries.

When: 5:30-9 p.m. May 7 through Sept. 24.

Where: Irwin and Seventh streets, Hanford

Details: (559) 582-9457

With nearly 100 vendors, the market offers a huge variety of farm fresh produce including peaches, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, squash, onions and spinach. The market is also known for its food vendors that sell: pulled pork sandwiches, roasted corn on the cob, pizza, funnel cakes with strawberries and tri-tip sandwiches. Also, there will be pony rides, bounce houses and live music.

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, through end of September

Where: Downtown Visalia, corner of Main and Church streets

Details: (559) 804-8372

The Visalia market offers a large selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with canned items including jams, jellies and pickled items. Vendors also sell baked goods, including breads and muffins. The market also has live music, children’s entertainment and arts and crafts vendors.

Year-round

Blackstone and Shaw avenues in Fresno

7300 N. Fresno St

761 E. Barstow in Fresno

Mooney Blvd. and Caldwell Avenue

1901 E. Shields Ave. in Fresno

Pollasky and Bullard avenues

This story was originally published April 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Valley seasonal farmers markets ready to open: save this list."