Celina merchants aim for more events

CELINA - Downtown merchants and farmers' market vendors are working to bring new events to the area this summer.

The Celina Farmers' Market returns Saturday to its spot along Main Street outside the Mercer County courthouse, and in response to public feedback gathered last September, the steering committee is making changes.

The market will still be open from 9 a.m.-noon every Saturday through Sept. 30, rain or shine, but visitors can expect new demonstrations and activities to enjoy as they browse the local vendors.

For Saturday's opening, chef Michelle Risch will give two cooking presentations starting at 9:30 a.m., demonstrating how to make fruit and nut granola as well as savory pie crust that can be used for quiche. Samples will be available. Risch graduated from the Art Institute of California and has worked with award-winning chefs. More information about her can be found on her Facebook page, The Chef's Homestead.

Other special events include demonstrations by other chefs and bakers, a gluten-free cooking presentation, gardening classes, a program about monarch butterflies, children's programs and artisan demonstrations. A calendar will be posted on the market's Facebook page and made available at the market information booth.

The market will also raise funds to add bike racks downtown. The bike racks would be manufactured by Tri Star Career Compact welding students and would be installed at three Main Street locations: the south municipal parking lot, Brew Nation and the west side of the courthouse. To donate, visit the Celina-Mercer Chamber of Commerce or mail a check to the Downtown Retail Association/Farmers' Market, 121 E. Logan St., Celina. Bike Hub will be at the market from 9-11 a.m. May 26 to give free 10-point safety checks for bikes.

Steering committee member Suzanne Wells said new vendors will sell products, including beef from grass-fed cows and body products, not previously offered at the market. Four new produce vendors will offer varied items, including microgreens. Others interested in becoming vendors can apply online at celinafarmersmarket.com.

Downtown merchants and restaurants also are gearing up for the upcoming Taste of Celina scheduled for July 13. The Taste of Celina, an exhibition of local culinary establishments, will be held from 5-10 p.m. with live entertainment, the annual car show, and food from several returning restaurants and a few newcomers, chamber director Stacy Beougher said.

Twelve area restaurants have signed on to share their specialties, but more space is available. Interested parties should contact the chamber office. Food tickets also will be available for purchase at the chamber starting in June as well as at the Chamber's tent on the evening of the event.