THOUSAND OAKS : Farmers Markets to Stay Open Later
It is the season for apricots, artichokes, cherries--and extended hours at the Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market.
The extended hours are 4 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, regardless of weather, at the Janss Mall, at Moorpark Road and Hillcrest Drive, a spokeswoman said.
“We are starting to go into our peak season,” said Karen Wetzel, market manager for the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Assn.
Wetzel said that the first market with longer hours, week before last, drew a record crowd of 4,000. The market closes at 7 p.m. during winter months.
About 50 farmers now participate, but Wetzel said their numbers will grow to 60 over the next two months.
The markets feature fresh fruits, nuts, honey, vegetables, cut flowers and potted plants from area farmers. Wetzel said that under state regulations, farmers can sell only California produce they grow themselves. She said about 30% of the farmers sell organic produce. They also accept food stamps.
The nonprofit group also sponsors two farmers markets in Ventura. The Ventura markets are on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Montgomery Ward parking lot, Main Street and Mills Road, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Santa Clara and California streets.
Other organizations sponsor farmers markets in Camarillo, Ojai and Oxnard.
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