Browsing fresh bread, berries and artisan cheeses beside a trickling waterfall in downtown Sisters?   Yes, please! By Jeff Spry  

Easing into its new weekly home at Barclay Park, the expanded version of “Fresh on Fridays” Sisters Farmers Market has kicked off its 2012 season and there’s much more to like.  

The market features a tempting new crop of over a dozen local vendors, with more room to stretch its aisles of farm-fresh eggs and produce, verdant plants and warm baked goods.  

Friday afternoons find the charming pocket park buzzing with shoppers and tourists packing bags of ripe strawberries, artisan loaves, potted garden flowers and gourmet soaps.  

Organizer Janet Zuelke is thrilled with the location off the hot pavement.

“We wanted a place more centrally located, right in the core of town,” she said. “We’re going to have Oregon wine tasting and music every week, belly dancers and crafters coming in. We’re open to more vendors too.”  

Bill Kurzma of The Village Baker sets out a mean spread of rustic hard-crusted breads and old world rolls for strolling market-goers.  

“We’ve been in Bend for fifteen years and deliver bread here in Sisters to Ray’s, Melvin’s and Bronco Billy’s,” he said. “We decided we wanted to promote our product here to boost sales and keep it a worthwhile venture.”  

Back again this year is Zeferina’s Tamales, Sparrow Bakery and the family-made artisan cheeses from Cada Dia Cheese of Prineville.  

“I think it’s going to be divine here,” said farm owner Cher Sullivan. “People will be able to find us much easier.”  

Another new vendor is Plainview Farms whose owners Terry Jones and Gayle Hoagland brought a bright array of spicy-mix lettuce plants, Brandywine tomatoes and small herb plants like basil, oregano and dill.  

“It’s picturesque and there’s no traffic to contend with,” Zuelke said. “It’s a perfect spot. We’ll be here every Friday from 3pm to 6pm through September.”  

For questions on becoming a “Fresh On Fridays” vendor call 541-480-9999.