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Occidental Community Farmers Market is OPEN!

This story was originally published July 1, 2020.

This beloved market successfully relaunched one year ago after an amazing outpouring of support from locals who came together to revive this neighborly gathering that encourages collaboration, community-building, and creativity.

The market is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all market participants and vendors so please follow the Market Regulations Resource Guide created for vendors and patrons to attend the market in safe and supportive ways. Due to COVID-19, market goers will be required to wear a mask and no public restrooms will be available at this time.

The market is located on the south end of downtown, on the west side of Main Street, corner of 2nd at Howardā€™s Station Cafe. Please drive safely, be cautious of pedestrians, and park respectfully in town. If possible, patrons are asked to carpool or bike. Please respect all market signs.

This year, the Occidental Community Farmersā€™ Market welcomes a new manager, Chris Santana, who is passionate about sustainable agriculture as a tool for tending the land and building community. Chris lives and works at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, manages his own small herd of goats there, and also helps herd sheep out at Bodega Pastures (makers of the beautiful wool and wares you see at the market).

The OCFM Steering Committee continues to pitch in to grease the marketā€™s wheels - this includes Michael Stusser (Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary), Chris Martin (Howardā€™s Station Cafe), Andros Howes (Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and the band Burnside), and Katy Mamen (Water Bear Collaborative). Sponsors for the 2020 season include Redwood Needle Acupuncture Clinic, Harmony Farm Supply & Nursery, Kathy Barry & Bob Burnett, Open Door Insurance, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, and Arnot-Roberts Wines.

The market has launched the season with an all new website (www.occidentalcommunityfarmersmarket.com) that includes a listing of attending vendors and an opportunity for volunteers to sign up for much needed help.

Occidental Center for the Arts is doing everything in their power to continue being a vital part of our community. Throughout the Stay-at-Home mandate they put together virtual music events and exhibits. Now that our world has opened up a bit, they are trying to open up a bit as well...safely!

If you missed the Arts in our Hearts: A Virtual Variety Show - check it out on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4K7F_tBUlU - OR look for Arts in our Hearts on the Video Channel - OR - make it easy on yourself and go to their website for a link.

Their first-ever Virtual Variety Show was a great success! 60+ people who participated in the creation of the video. Thatā€™s amazing for such a small arts center. They also raised $4k toward their $10k goal ā€“ so if you are inclined to support the arts with a donation - again - the website has all the information on you need. Stay in touch @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. LIKE the center on Facebook @ facebook.com/occidentalcenterforthearts - JOIN the email list: http://www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org/#emaillist.

Occidental Arts and Ecology Center

Do you know about the plant nursery at the center? Itā€™s now open for browsing and buying the most loved and nurtured plants in Sonoma County! The Mother Garden Nursery is now open during normal business hours: Sat & Sun 10am ā€“ 5pm, and will continue to offer on-line ordering with curbside pick up for a minimum order of $50. Public tours and garden volunteer days are still cancelled until further notice. They offer a plant list on their wesbite: https://oaec.org/plant-nursery/ and you can sign up for their Newsletter.

OAEC is one of those rare places where life THRIVES on all levels. If you havenā€™t experienced what they offer yet, check them out on their website then schedule an opportunity to experience wide open spaces and wide open minds. They offer classes, retreats, and internships. 15290 Coleman Valley Rd.

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