A cool breeze greeted guests and vendors at the first night market of the 2014 Turlock Certified Farmers Market season Friday evening as individuals browsed the various stalls for a variety of things from summertime produce to floral arrangements.

The local band LIVIN’ played to a captive audience of dancers as locals of all ages took advantage of the first of only three night markets this season. Children stood in line to have balloon animals made to their liking while parents perused information available from Real Fresh, the Turlock Unified School District’s Child Nutrition department. As the sixth week of the season, a multitude of fresh produce and street fare options were in full swing with many locals who have made the market a weekly tradition double dipping for some nighttime fun.

“This is the strongest start we’ve ever had,” said Derek Griffin, market manager.

The farmers market and the Carnegie Arts Center also collaborated to offer free walking tours between the Center and the market for Fun Family Friday at the Center which featured arts, crafts and more.

“We just want to offer another thing to do in downtown Turlock,” said Griffin.

Along with the usual Friday morning schedule from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be two more night markets this season: Sept. 5, which will be the California State University, Stanislaus themed market; and Oct. 24 as a special Harvest Market.