Posted in reply to the post by kylemcsmile with a clear mind:
A new market is open in Occidental! The Occidental Community Market is located at the Occidental Community Center (aka the YMCA, at Graton Rd. and Bohemian Hwy.).
The market is planned for Fridays year-round, rain or shine, and market proceeds go back to the immediate community.
If you haven't been to the market, or even Occidental for that matter, here is a brief summary....
Founded in 1876, Occidental was a stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad connecting Cazadero to the Sausalito ferry. In return for donating right-of-way to the railroad, a local landowner named "Dutch Bill" Howards received a lifetime railway pass, and the station was named after him. The railway caused a rapid expansion of the timber industry, and by 1877 there were six sawmills in the Occidental area. As the redwood forests were logged out, homesteaders built homes and planted orchards and vineyards in their place. Homes in Occidental and nearby Camp Meeker were built as summer cabins by early developers Dutch Bill Howard and Boss Meeker. Vacationers escaped the foggy summers of San Francisco and the heat of the inland valleys to the cool of the forests.
Occidental has been the home of family-style dinners for over a century. Enterprising women of Occidental began cooking meals for the railroad workers, loggers, and train passengers. They originally prepared the meals in their own kitchens. The restaurants eventually grew out of the demand for their appealing cooking. Occidental has been unique for its high concentration of visionaries and famous artists during recent history, and was the hub of community-centered social movements in the late 1960s and early 1970s, giving rise to nearby communes such as Morningstar, Wheeler Ranch, Ocean Song, Star Mountain, and the OAEC.
In this quaint, mountain-like town nestled in the serene and majestic redwoods of Western Sonoma County, there is a beautiful growing community of skilled and happy people.
The Occidental Farmers' Markets are a wonderful experience. You'll find local herbalists, farmers, bakers, meats, mushrooms, and more! Kids can make art at a craft station. Come share a delicious hot meal with your family. There are lots of options to choose from! Connect with your local food and medicine growers. Bring your creative energy to the west county culture.
Now a NEW market, the "Occidental Community Market" has begun just down the road! Thanks to the Occidental Community Center (aka YMCA building, at the corner of Graton Rd. and Bohemian Hwy.), local townies and visitors have a place to gather through the winter too! This farmer's market meets Friday evenings, beginning at 3pm and going until people stop showing up (which could be as late as 8).
It is being run and marketed by a completely volunteer group of individuals. This market is also not to be confused with Occidental Bohemian Farmer's Market (the spring and summer market), run by another person. Market proceeds from the (new) Occidental Community Farmer's Market go back into the local community.
The purpose and hope for having this market is to create a space and time where people can come together to share their healing passions, crafts, music, good food, and conversation throughout the year. This is a community-run event meant to benefit not only Occidental, but anyone who can make it out. Help support your local farmers or just come out and have a good time with us!
Spots are still open if you're interested in setting up a booth or playing music! Just check in with the market manager when you come...