SUTTER, CA (MPG) — Downtown Sutter hosted its second Sidewalk Farmers Market on Sept. 4, bringing together about 30 vendors with handmade goods, produce and community connections. Additional markets are planned for Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.
Among the vendors was Colusa County artist Hal Tacker, who set up a booth to display his artwork. Tacker said he wanted to support the Sutter community and share his pieces with new audiences.
“It usually gets a little busier later in the evening,” Tacker said as families made their way along California Street. “I wanted to come out and be part of this event and showcase my art.”
Organizer Sarah Donighi said the market was created to strengthen community ties, draw visitors to businesses on California Street, and provide local makers with a place to sell unique goods. “Natural and holistic is the vibe,” she said.
Vendors offered in-season fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, handcrafted jewelry, home décor, baked goods, jams, candles and holistic products. Food trucks served dinner and snacks, while a mobile bookstore and The Farmhouse Bakery added variety to the lineup.
Donighi said vendor booths are available for $25 for a 10-by-10-foot space. The event depends on vendor participation, though she hopes to add entertainment in the future with the help of sponsors.
“We would like to bring in entertainment, but it is difficult to float this by vendors alone,” she said.
The market builds on networks from the Farmer’s Wife Barn shows and the Yuba City farmers market. Local businesses on California Street, including Sutter City Auto Body, Sutter Mini Mart, Taco Time, the Farmer’s Wife, Mendoza Electric and Sutter Mechanic Shop, have all supported the effort.
The event has drawn a mix of returning and first-time vendors, and Donighi said it gives residents another reason to shop locally.
“This is about bringing people together and giving them a reason to spend time in downtown Sutter,” she said.
After the December market, organizers plan to pause for the winter before resuming in May or June.
Updates are available on the Donighi Exchange Facebook page.