Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Farmers Market’s Fifth Season
May 06, 2026 10:56AM ● By Stephen B. Clazie
About six years ago, retired Judge Rudolph “Barry” Loncke (right) introduced his friend Vic Cima (left) to City Councilmember Rick Jennings, who has represented both Sacramento’s Pocket and Land Park neighborhoods since 2014. The GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market (GHP) fifth-year grand opening at the Elks Lodge No. 6 parking lot, 6446 Riverside Blvd., saw (left to right) Judge Loncke, Elk 6 Exalted Ruler Carol Mitchell, Councilmember Jennings and GHP’s Cima taking a moment for a photo. Photo by Stephen B. Clazie
Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Farmers Market’s Fifth Season [2 Images]
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SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - This past Sunday, May 3, the GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market (GHP) marked the beginning of its fifth year with a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Councilmember Richard “Rick” Jennings II at 11 a.m.
GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market General Manager Vic Cima first welcomed everyone to the market’s fifth year and then introduced Elk 6’s new president, Carol Mitchell. As emcee, she introduced Chaplain Clayton Hablitz, who offered the following prayer:
“We come together today with grateful hearts as we celebrate the opening of our GreenHaven Pocket Farmers Market. Thank you, dear Lord, for the hands that plant, tend and harvest the food that nourishes our bodies and brings us together as a community.
Bless the farmers, the vendors, the volunteers and every person gathered here today, Lord.
May our community be filled with kindness, grace, connection and abundance. Father, let this be a space where neighbors meet, friendships grow and all feel welcome.
Please watch over our market, keep everyone safe and may this season be fruitful and prosper in every way.”
Elk 6 President Mitchell then introduced Esquire John DeArman to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. He was joined by three fellow Elk 6 officers. All four are veterans: DeArman (Army), Inner Guard Robyn Yednock (Marines), Vocalist Audra Jefferson (Navy) and Loyal Knight Aaron “Jeff” Jefferson (Navy and Army).
About six years ago, retired Judge Rudolph “Barry” Loncke, a resident of Sacramento’s Pocket neighborhood, had the idea to introduce his good friend Vic Cima, a Land Park resident, to Richard “Rick” Jennings II, who has represented both neighborhoods since 2014.
It was obvious that Councilmember Jennings was enjoying Mitchell’s introduction. He spoke about how wonderful it was to have such a thriving farmers market in the neighborhood. He also mentioned busy Riverside Boulevard and said he was meeting with a young person’s family about making it safer for everyone to cross.
Looking ahead to the new season, Cima said he is proud that three local farmers will offer a wide variety of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables.
The market is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“It will feature fresh produce, live music, food trucks, a face painter and much more,” Cima said.
He also noted, “Terry Catron has been an Elk 6 member since 2007, but this is her first year volunteering as the market’s event coordinator. She is doing a wonderful job.”
Vic also called up Lecturing Knight Pamela Muljat-Zanze to be recognized. She has chaired all Elk 6 craft fairs for the past eight years, and the previous Thursday night on April 30 she was honored as Elk 6’s Officer of the Year for 2025.
She was delighted that “this market and vendors fair featured 29 local artisans.”
She mentioned it was a lot of work with the artisans, vendors and Councilmember Jennings’ staff to reschedule the rainout opening, and she added, “Our event coordinator, Terry Catron, has done a fabulous job rescheduling everything.”
Jay Riddell, known to vendors and customers as the “Market Host,” was there early Sunday with all of the other volunteers helping to set up for the 60 artisans and vendors. Cima and Catron agreed that Riddell is an outstanding volunteer and an amazing asset.
The grand opening featured entertainment by Famallama, a multigenerational family band based in Northern California. The group features three generations of musicians, blending rock, Latin rock, blues, funk and soul into a distinctive sound.
