Fagelhund Flower Farm joined the Dixon market when it opened for the season in late spring. The booth was managed by Jan (left) and Vern Wilson. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Downtown Dixon Business Association is hosting the Downtown Dixon Weekly Farmers Market every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 28 at Pardi Plaza, 132 E. A St.

Sponsored by the City of Dixon, the market features organic fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked bread, prepared food, live music and opportunities for residents to meet local farmers and small business owners. In addition to traditional farmers market offerings, visitors can browse booths featuring flowers, handmade candles, homemade preserves, lemonade, books and information about the city of Dixon's Local Road Safety Plan.

Food vendors include Heena's Kitchen, serving Indian cuisine, Mi Fiesta Catering Company and Gomez's Loaded Potatoes. Live music is performed on the Pardi Plaza stage throughout the event.

Organizer Simba Baratti said the weekly market is intended to strengthen connections between residents and local producers.

“Bringing community together and connecting local growers to the community,” said Baratti when describing the market's purpose.

Baratti, who began organizing the market last year, said operating the event requires persistence.

“Lots of heart and the ability to withstand losing money every week,” joked Baratti.

Among the returning vendors is Ken Shield, owner of Goal Zen Gourmet Mushrooms, who participated in last year's market.

“We were here last year,” said Shield.

Shield sells organic mushrooms, including Italian oyster, pearl oyster, blue oyster, maitake and lion's mane varieties. He also offers a five-blend mushroom powder designed for use in tea, smoothies and coffee.

“Mushroom coffee is kind of all the craze right now,” said Shield.

He said one of his favorite aspects of the market is its atmosphere.

“The music is usually pretty good. Good vibes, lots of local folks. We're local too, we're from Dixon,” he said.

Fagelhund Flower Farm joined the Dixon market when it opened for the season in late spring. Jan Wilson said the family farm, operated by her son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Emily Wilson, grows seasonal flowers. The name Fagelhund is Swedish for “bird dog.”

“We started with Dixon when it started this year around May or June,” said Vern Wilson. “We're at other farmers markets as well, but this one is great because it's in the middle week.”

The farm offers seasonal bouquets featuring flowers such as sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds and lisianthus.

Rachel Warren, owner of Rachel's Casa de Colores, is participating in the Dixon market for the first time this season.

“I'm a visual artist,” said Warren. “I have matted prints, I have cards, and they're of my paintings. I also hand-paint on glassware.”

She said she enjoys interacting with visitors during the weekly event.

“People are interesting and they're happy. It's after work time. They're just shopping and grabbing a snack,” said Warren.

Lacey Berry, owner of Simplee Sweet Bakery Shop, is in her third year at the market. She offers sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies and gluten-free baked goods.

“The people are so good to me. I love the city of Dixon! It's such a cute city,” said Berry.

Berry said the live entertainment is one of her favorite parts of the market.

Lauri Gardens, a longtime participant, has been selling at the Dixon market for 15 years. In addition to produce, the vendor recently began offering elderberry syrup after learning about the fruit's medicinal properties.

“The local flair,” said Gardens when asked about her favorite part of the market. “It's changed a lot since I started selling cucumbers here 15 years ago, but for the better.”

For more information about the Downtown Dixon Weekly Farmers Market, visit downtowndixonca.com/events or email [email protected].