Recent triple-digit temperatures couldn't overcome the allure of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.
Business was a bit slower than usual at last week's farmers market in El Dorado Hills, but vendors weren't discouraged.
"We have old die-hards who show up no matter what the weather is like," said Pat Woodruff.
She said she has been selling produce from Coalwell's Red Shack at El Dorado County certified farmers markets for 15 years.
About 20 vendors staffed booths in the north parking lot at the El Dorado Hills Community Park, site of the Thursday markets. Many of them return on Sunday mornings, when the market sets up in the Town Center parking lot.
El Dorado Hills resident Heather Robinson is one of the market's regular customers. Pronouncing last week's heat "terrible," Robinson said she didn't plan to linger long, but she couldn't pass up the fresh blue- berries, peaches, peppers and basil.
"It's local. It's better than what you get at the grocery store," Robinson said of the fruits and vegetables she buys at the market.
Eric Michielsen of El Dorado Hills bit into a juicy peach from the Placerville area's Hooverville Orchards. This was only the second time he had visited the market.
"I was picking my son up at the skate park, and cold fruit sounded really good," he said.
Evan Michielsen, 11, had discovered "Strawberry Bob's" booth, featuring strawberries brought in daily from farms in Watsonville.
The market is a popular place for youths using the park. A half-dozen youngsters lined up to buy shaved ice, while others bought bags of "kettle korn." Judy Grondin of El Dorado Hills said she and her husband have operated the Original Kettle Korn franchise for nine years. They went into the business after her employer, Kemper Insurance, moved its operations out of state.
Regular customers at the El Dorado Hills farmers market include youth swim team members who show up hungry after their early-morning practice at the community pool, she said.
Farmers markets are held throughout El Dorado and Sacramento counties during the summer. Locations include:
• El Dorado Hills: 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, El Dorado Hills Community Services District parking lot, El Dorado Hills Boulevard and Harvard Way; 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Town Center parking lot, near Latrobe Road and Highway 50.
• Cameron Park: 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Burke Junction, Coach Lane and Strolling Hills Road.
• Placerville: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Ivy House parking lot, Main Street and Cedar Ravine.
• Folsom: 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, 900 Sutter St.; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sutter and Wool streets.
• Citrus Heights: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sunrise Mall, behind Sears.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 608-7451.
