Tehachapi News

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In spite of the heat Farmers Market is drawing large crowds.
“It's a place for the community to get gather and meet. It’s not just locals, we even have people that come up here from Mojave and California City every week just to have dinner, relax, and pick up some fresh produce,” said Michelle Vance executive director of Main Street Tehachapi. “We have the tables set up here in the shade, people meet their friends, have dinner and talk. We almost have to run them off at 7 o'clock. Some times we're taking down the fence and tables around them.”
Tim Kielpinski owner of Old Towne Nursery whose booth is in the park area said, “It's different this year, a little slower, probably because of the economy.”
The produce vendors on Robinson Street seemed to have no problem in being in that area in spite of lack of shade. In fact, Richard Fendry owner of Three Hog Night said, “I like being on the street because people make a loop and pass the booth at least twice. I'm doing better than I expected.”
“Being on the street doesn't seem to make a difference as compared to the park last year, we're not doing bad” said Laura from Murray Farms who comes up every week. Murray farms is along the 58 freeway on the way to Bakersfield.
Greg Tesch, who comes up from Bakersfield, and has one of the largest and busiest produce booths, likes the street because “ I have room to expand if I need it. I'm doing Ok”
Most of the vendors reported a little slower day on July 10 and attributed it to the heat but all seemed generally happy with their location.