Whole Foods says hello to Folsom

A week filled with events kept the community excited for today's grand opening celebration of Folsom Whole Foods.Whole Foods Market will open in Folsom at 10 a.m. on Wednesday Oct. 26, at 270 Palladio Parkway, Folsom.The opening day will begin with a "bread-breaking" ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and afterward, customers can celebrate with live music and beer tasting all day. Kids will be able to play and explore a pumpkin patch in the parking lot.The first 250 Folsom shoppers to enter the store will receive a reusable shopping bag filled with Whole Foods Market products."Whole Foods is not a corporate store, we are really connecting with our local community," said David Cosper, executive coordinator of operations in the Northern California region. "We are connecting with our regions local farmers, organizations and the community."Ciara Glass, marketing team leader, said Whole Foods will continually give back to the Folsom community through year-round events.On Dec. 15, 5 percent of sales will go to local nonprofit organizations including Twin Lakes Food Bank.Other nonprofits the store hopes to benefit include Folsom High School Music Boosters and the Folsom Zoo.The new store will include a bakery and carry organic body care products. The store will feature more than 200 local suppliers sourced from nearby El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Amador and Yolo counties."We have the largest selections of organic produce," said Steven Smith, store team leader. "We will also have local options available."The store will also provide prepared, pre-cut produce ready for people on the go.Glass said Whole Foods partnered with Foothill Farmers' Market Association to launch a year-round certified farmers market held in the store's parking lot.The market will include local vendors will include beers, wines, produce, coffee and baked goods.They will start having harvest days with community dinners featuring local products in the store's outside Bier Garden.Whole Foods shoppers can also find a full meat and seafood department at the new store.Glass said a butcher will be on staff to help guide shoppers. All meat is graded to ensure the animal's treatment and quality, she said.The store also partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to ensure all seafood is rated for best quality, she said.Whole Foods also has a full cheese shop with educated staff to help pair cheeses with wines and meals.At a media event last week to showcase the new store and products, local musician Daniel Roest performed."I'm very happy to be here tonight," Roest said. "I live in Folsom and am so glad to finally have a Whole Foods out here."For more information, call (916) 984-8500 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/folsom.* * *KNOW AND GOWhole Foods Grand OpeningWhen: 9:45 a.m., Oct. 26. Be one of the first 250 customers in the store and receive a free reusable shopping bag filled with a variety of items.Where: 270 Palladio Parkway, Folsom