Davis Farmers Market loaded with crafts, gifts

Holiday shopping is a treat at the Davis Farmers Market, where patrons can cross off their gift and grocery lists with one stop. Along with the farm-fresh produce, eggs, meat and baked goods, there are local crafts, free gift baskets and holiday music on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. During the holidays, the C Street sidewalk is dubbed Crafters’ Lane, with local artists selling custom purses, scarves, hats, sun spinners, aprons, pottery, candles, soap, lotion, wreaths, flowers, art, photography and more. Artist Heidi Bekebrede has a Paint-a-Pot booth, where patrons of any age can decorate a pottery item, such as a cup, bowl or ornament. On the first three Saturdays in December, shoppers can compile items for custom gift baskets, and have them wrapped for free at the market’s Gift Basket Central station, near the large oak tree. The service is available to anyone who purchases three or more items at the Davis Farmers Market. Besides the abundant produce, market sellers offer preserved jams and sauces, lemon curd, honey, balsamic vinegars, olive oils, dried herbs, nuts and nut butters. There are sweets like dried fruit or chocolate-covered almonds, pistachio brittle, and local wines. Still need inspiration? Come to the gift basket booth and grab a menu of suggested gift basket themes, designed for chefs, bakers, party hosts, chocolate lovers, and youths, breakfast lovers or relaxation seekers. At the Market Shed, there is a wide variety of shopping baskets, market-logo aprons, hats, totes, mugs and T-shirts. Shoppers have access to an ATM, and the Market Shed accepts credit and debit cards. There’s also “The Davis Farmers Market Cookbook, Revised Edition,” which features seasonal recipes from market produce. The author, one of the market’s founders, Ann M. Evans, will be available for book-signings on Dec. 14 and 21. The Davis Farmers Market is at Third and C streets in Davis. Market hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The mid-week Winter Market continues on Wednesdays, from 3 to 6 p.m. The market will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. For more information, visit www.davisfarmersmarket.org the Davis Farmers Market Facebook page. Captions: The Paint-a-Pot ceramics station is one of many food and craft booths Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at the Davis Farmers Market. Maggie Middleton wraps up gift baskets – a free service to Saturday shoppers through Dec. 21.