The Villas Parkmerced are now a Saturday shopping destination. A new Parkmerced Farmer's Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and entertainment Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., through October.

"The Farmer's Market at Parkmerced was awesome," Parkmerced resident Rebecca Klein said. "I felt like there was a real sense of community and ownership among the residents, and the entertainment for my kids was a nice touch."

The weekly, outdoor event boasts such organic produce as heirloom tomatoes, peaches, nectarines and Asian pears in addition to flowers, fish, eggs and fresh-baked bread from a variety of vendors. More than 20 growers and producers are represented, all certified to meet the quality and distribution standards of the California Farmers' Market Association.

The Parkmerced Farmer's Market is located at the corner of Serrano Drive and Arballo Drive near the SF State campus. For more information, visit the California Farmers' Markets Association Web site or call 800/806-FARM.

-- Student Writer Lisa Rau with Ellen Griffin