SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - This year, there’s a new feature at the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market (GHP). Vic Cima, who took a year off, is back as general manager. 

Cima, the 1962 standout Christian Brothers lineman who attended Utah State University on a full-ride scholarship, now sits at his GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market booth, quarterbacking the entire Sunday morning operation. He played both defensive and offensive line for the Utah State Aggies.

But he’s not the newest attraction at the market. Some customers might say it’s the 96- and 120-pound Bernese Mountain Dogs that sit next to him. Children visiting the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market are especially intrigued by these majestic beauties, who appear to be Cima’s right and left guards, faithfully seated beside him like sentinels.

According to their owner, Susan Riddell, “big mamma” Kaia weighs 120 pounds and is 5 years old. She has been trained in water safety and to watch over children. Riddell tells children they can pet the dogs and that Kaia “just loves to cuddle.”

“Lilo is the baby in training. She just made 96 pounds and loves the kids, too,” Riddell said.

The dogs have become a major attraction, especially for young children. Parents are understandably cautious at first, until Riddell explains that these “two supposed protectors of Vic” are just gentle giants who enjoy relaxing in the shade of Cima’s canopy. While the dogs are large, Riddell emphasized that their gentleness and kindness are their most notable traits.

But they aren’t the newest addition that Cima is most excited about.

Each year, the Elks host a couple of craft fairs, and coordinating these with the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market has always required some planning. Pam Zanze, chair of the craft fairs, had a great idea after the last fair and asked some craft vendors if they would like to attend every week.

Starting Sunday, June 22, the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market will also feature about six local craft specialists at the new Outdoor Craft Event during market hours. Cima and Zanze said that will be special for their customers.

They’re also looking forward to Sunday, June 15 when the Elks Lodge will host both a special Father’s Day Brunch from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Glen Smith, chair of the Elks Sunday Breakfast, said, “The menu will feature an egg casserole, fruit salad and ham carving, plus the regular menu of bacon, sausage, waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, coffee and juice.”

Elks Sunday Breakfast costs $16 general and $10 for children under 10.

GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market’s Barbara Cherry is also excited about another new vendor this year, Gerard’z Honeybees, offering fresh, local honey.