Farmers market open for season's run

The Gold Country Farmers Market of Colfax is in its second season and is gearing up for a bountiful summer.A handful of vendors offer late spring vegetables and early summer fruits. As the summer season matures, the number of market vendors and their offerings will increase. The farmers market is open in Colfax from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, through Oct. 26, near the historic passenger depot at Grass Valley and Railroad streets.Bob Hicks, owner/manager of Gold Country Farmers Market, said, "I'm always looking for new grower and crafter vendors to participate in the Colfax farmers market."Hicks said he loves Colfax and changed the farmers market from Fridays last year to Wednesdays this year to better accommodate the town's residents. "There is great potential in the growth of Colfax and I want to see the farmers market grow here," Hicks said.Available right now are juicy strawberries from Rodriguez Berries and Vegetables from Watsonville. At the beginning of the season there was a bit of a delay in the succulent fruit because of the cool weather, but with the latest heat, they are abundant, ripe and ready to go. The family-owned farm offers organic and non-organic strawberries that can be made into jams or preserves, pies or even tossed into a green salad. And with their high volume of vitamin C and flavonoids, a cup of strawberries only contains about 45 calories.The Rodriguez Berries and Vegetables farm grows about 15 acres of strawberries and raspberries on their five separate ranches, according to Manuel Alvarez. The Rodriguez farm sells weekly at other local farmers markets in Roseville and Lincoln.Still available are late-season kale and collard greens. The Neng Xiong farm from Olivehurst is carrying freshly picked green beans that are crisp and sweet to the taste. Other offerings by the Xiong farm include broccoli, carrots, lettuce and potatoes.Also available at the Colfax farmers barket are fresh breads from Upper Crust Bakery of Davis and other vendors selling vegetables that are in season.You can also find tasty dipping and barbecue sauces from Bob Hicks' Hicksville Acres. Their sauces range from mild to spicy, and they have created a diabetic-friendly line of sauces.Vendors interested in participating should contact Hicks at (916) 663-2025.----------------------------GOLD COUNTRY FARMERS MARKETWhat: Fresh fruits, vegetables and productsWhen: 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, through Oct. 27Where: Grass Valley and Railroad streets, near passenger depotContact: Bob Hicks, (916) 663-2025