Palladio Farmers Market - fresh, local and open every Wednesday

In need of a mid-week restock on fresh fruits and veggies? Looking for a unique, handmade gift? Check out the Living Smart Farmers Market, hosted in the parking lot of Palladio's Whole Foods Market in Folsom from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. The market has been open since April 19, and manager Allan D'Anneo doesn't see this stopping anytime soon, as he expresses that while some vendors will be seasonal, the market will be open year-round for residents to come out and connect with the community. "I just love that we have sources of good, local, fresh produce for people to buy, and it's wonderful, actually, that Whole Foods embraces us out here. And then also for the crafters and the prepared-food people that are making their stuff locally," D'Anneo said. "It's a good outlet for the community." Weekly farmers and vendors include K&D Freitas Farms from Wilton, Gray's Microgreens of Rancho Cordova, Esquivel Farms from the Salinas area, Robertson Family Farms of Marysville, Rodriquez Brothers Ranch of Watsonville, Foothill Mushrooms of Newcastle, J&J Ramos Farms of Hughson, Thao Ranch of Galt and Gotelli Farms from San Joaquin County. Vendors and their selections may change due to the seasons of the produce they naturally grow or crafts they make, but the Palladio market will always be there for locals. This pet-friendly environment boasts of bright, new opportunities for residents to connect with local farmers, make new friendships and enjoy a pleasant morning surrounded by strawberries and familiar faces. Julie Vietor of Boulevard Coffee Roasting Co. is appreciative of opportunities farmers markets give local companies to spread awareness about their company and products, as well as the special atmosphere. "I think (farmers markets are) a really nice place to bring your products and meet people in person, and I think that people enjoy coming out and having a variety of different things made by farmers and small businesspeople," Vietor expressed. Francois Thao of Thao Ranch says this time of week not only provides the community another day option to shop local, but it also provides an avenue for farmers to keep their produce fresh and sell at a convenient time. While weekend markets provide great business for farmers, Thao states if they only have weekend markets to sell their produce, the literal fruits and veggies of their labor can grow old and bitter. After all, farmers must harvest every other day, not just one day a week. They must sell their produce throughout the week, and having the Palladio Farmers Market to participate in on Wednesdays helps them share their produce without having to worry about all that fresh, natural food going to waste. If you've already stopped by the market but want to know what's new, recent additions include fresh peaches, apricots and cherries, and a free raffle. On May 31, keep an eye out for sunflowers from Robertson Family Farms. This is the first month where Living Smart holds a raffle for attendees to win kitchen accessories and a $25 gift card to use at Living Smart's farmers markets. In addition to the new Folsom Palladio Farmers Market, Living Smart has a weekly Historic Folsom Farmers Market at 915 Sutter St., Historic Folsom Plaza, open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, as well as the Folsom Sutter Street Farmers Market at 700 Block on Sutter St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.