The Delta Bay Foundation opens the third season of its Sunday Market with the Spring Market, April 10th, 10:00 am. to 2:00 p.m. in the central meadow at Park Delta Bay.  Setting up under and around the Big Tent, the Market vendors return with new sellers and new wares for your shopping and gifting delight!

The Sunday Market also welcomes a new food vendor, Sock It Too Me BBQ, coming to you with delicious BBQ dinners and half-dinners.  The smoker gets going at dawn and service will start when the meat is ready!  James & crew estimate they’ll be ready for customers between 11:30 and Noon, and they will keep serving and smiling until the last plate goes out!  Welcome this new addition to the Sunday Market set up and Spring Into Summer with a plate of goodness cooked on-site and piping hot!

The Sunday Market reprises its Kids Korner, where friendly folks who live and work at the Park will help your children make arts and crafts to take home.   Contributions to supplies will be grateful received but no child will be turned away!  The Sunday Market is a family-friendly event and you can keep a watchful eye on the lads and lassies in the picket-fenced Kids Korner while you shop or enjoy lunch and the music!

Speaking of music: 

Returning singer-songwriter Randy Carey will delight the Spring Market shoppers with his unique combination of traditional rock and folksy blues.  We don’t quite know how to categorize him, but we know our toes start tapping and we want to get up and dance when his guitar starts strumming!  Don’t forget to tip if you have a few dollars to spare!

No Sunday Market would be complete without Silo Farm Organics.  Though its early in the season, our favorite Farmer Gals from Walnut Grove will be on hand with organic veggies, herbs, and flowers.  They will continue to sell at the Sunday Market throughout the year, or visit them at their Farm Stand as the season unfolds.  Ali and Jenn, mother and daughter, are seen here at our Holiday Market, still our favorite photo of the lively pair!

The Sunday Market also welcomes for the first time, Delta Tails Farm, a certified egg handler from Ryer Island selling pasture-raised chicken and duck eggs.  Stacy Williams can share about her Delta-based operation, so come early as these gorgeous eggs are sure to be a big hit at the Spring Market!

DO SOME GOOD IN THE DELTA!

The Sunday Market gives space to local Not-For-Profits who want to tell you about their missions.  At the Spring Market, two amazing groups will showcase their message and give you a chance to learn about their events.

Returning to our green meadows for the third year, Grace Is The Key always has the collective hearts of the Park because its founders parents lived here for more years than we can count.  Grace Is The Key serves  unhoused families in Modesto, California, not quite in the heart of the Delta but close enough! They bring meals to the city park each week, including through the entire pandemic!  They also  provide backpacks, school supplies, Christmas gifts, and so much more!

New to the Sunday Market is Dillon’s Dreams, A World Without Cancer. Created by the mother of an Antioch student with Ewing’s Carcoma, this organization strives to help other families with for expenses that might not be covered by traditional means and which they can’t afford  “Dream’s Dreams was able to bring gifts to children in the hospital for Halloween and Christmas.  In 2022, we hope to help more families and children this year. We are in the process of putting together a support list and journal for children with childhood cancer.”

SHOP TIL YOU DROP!

The Sunday Market showcases vendors selling unique, hand-crafted or vintage items.  All vendors have some Delta connection, by birth, residence, or work. 

Started in 2020 with seven vendors on an internal roadway in the Park, the Sunday Market has grown far beyond expectations!  Here is the list of vendors selling and showing at the Spring Market on April 10th:

AKIA Inspirations:  Hand-made, all natural, plant-based skin care

Biblical Gardens: Stationary & Journals

Bling Accents: Charms & Chains for Your Crocs!

CoCo’s Candles, home-made soy candles

CoZMe – hand-crochet pouches and potholders by local MaryKay rep Trinity Edens

Chris Barnhart Original Oil Paintings

Demi Stewart Photograph — #DeltaLife Depicted At Its Finest

Dia’s Doggie Bows

Drifty Drags: Beanies, cozies, ear-warmers & more!

Fanslau Metalworks: Original metalwork for home & yard – Eric Fanslau will be rotating appearances with one of his cohorts, since he’s in service to our nation at Travis Air Force Base

Lavender Lovelies – Soaps, candles, linen sprays & more with local lavender

“Let’s Get Sauced!” by Heather Sousa – Jellies & Sauces

Kimmy by Kim Carlson – Hand-sewn bags, pouches, & table linens

KISS MY GLASS!  Gorgeous hand-made stained glass creations by local legend Tracy Holcombe

Magical Alchemy Designs by Rachel Warren:
Painted glassware, art cards, original paintings, & selected jewelry

Out Of The Past: Vintage glassware and collectibles

NEW VENDORS ANTICIPATED AS THE 2022 SEASON PROGRESSES!

SEE YOU AT THE SUNDAY MARKET!

The Sunday Market is sponsored by the Delta Bay Foundation, a California-registered Charity with 501(c)(3) exempt status.  Space at the Sunday Market is currently at no charge to the vendor.  Vendors assume their own responsibility for compliances with all business and tax requirements whether local, state, or federal.  Park Delta Bay provides space for the Sunday Market as a courtesy and does not assume liability for attendees except as provided by county and state law.  The Delta Bay Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender-identity, religion, national origin, or disability.

Many of the regular vendors will return for this season-celebration with new offerings and special holiday presentations.

Rachel Warren, who designs and makes jewelry, hand-painted glassware, and original artwork cards, will have prints of some of her most popular work along with new creations.  Warren designs and creates as Magical Alchemy Designs.   Warren combines her love of Mexican folk art and her deep roots in the Delta to put flare on each of her pieces.  She also does custom work and reprints.

New to the Sunday Market this year, Eric Fanslau of Fanslau Metal Works LLC  impressed market customers with his delightful hand-crafted signs and yard art.  He also proved his love for the Delta by donating the proceeds of one entire market day to the River Delta Fire District, along with creating a sign for them.  Like all the Sunday Market vendors, Fanslau and his wife Shelby deeply love the Delta community.  Fanslau also contributed the Kids Korner sign for the Sunday Market, which made him very popular with the Market Manager and volunteers!  Fanslau will doubtless have many wonderful pieces from which to choose, and he always finds a way to put his special metalwork spin on the holiday at hand!

Another vendor making her debut at the market for the 2021 season, Heather Sousa of Let’s Get Sauced became popular quite quickly!  The lines at her table started early each Sunday.  She returns for the closing event with more of her delicious, home-cooked sauces, flavored with the special goodness of fresh Delta ingredients like pomegranate, peach, and pepper.  These delicious sauces make excellent gifts and will please your holiday company!

copyright Demi Stewart Photography 2021. Reprinted by permission.

One of the newest Sunday Market vendors, Demi Stewart of Demi Stewart Photography, is no stranger to Park Delta Bay and the Delta Bay Marina.  One of the favorite artists of the area, Stewart has featured in both solo and duo shows at the Marina and a group show at the park.  She showed at the Market for the first time at the Harvest Market, and returns for the Holiday Market.  A bridge tender on our Delta Waters, Stewart captures sunsets, water fowl, and the Delta life in a unique and breathtaking manner.  She shows her work both framed and unframed; mounted or matted; and in calendars.  She also special-orders the size and fitting that you prefer.  No Delta home can be complete without a beautiful portrayal of our beloved surroundings, and few depict the glory of the California Delta quite as well as Demi Stewart.

These are just four of the many vendors who will be showcased at the Holiday Market.  Tracy Holcombe returns with her lovely stained glass ornaments, windchimes, and plantholders.  Melissa Fink brings her Driftwood Designs, painted rocks, and handcrafted bead jewelry.  Trinity Eden’s CoZMe hand-made crochet pieces come just in time for chilly weather.  Barbara Estlack-Brock always delights visitors to her booth with unique collectible china, knick-knacks, and vintage jewelry.  Expect her Out of The Past offerings to include holiday tableware and ornaments!  Delightful fragrances will waft your way from the handcrafted soy candles from Socorro Guzman of Coco’s Candles.  “Luv Resin” offers interesting, one-of-a-kind vases, coasters, and jars made from poured resin.  Melissa Stolte’s perennial favorite Lavender Lovelies make excellent stocking stuffers and special gifts for your favorite guy or gal. Her goat-milk and lavender soaps will soothe the savage beast after a long, tedious day at the office!

There will be no end of wares for your Holiday Shopping!

The Holiday Market welcomes Natas BBQ as its food vendor.   Bring your appetite!  Rumor has it that he will be selling his famous chili and brisket sandwiches!   Hot chocolate, coffee, and cold bottled water will be served courtesy of the Market Manager.   And there’s sure to be candy canes somewhere about the place!

The Kids Korner will be relocated from its picket-fence to a round table in the community room.  Volunteers will help little ones make Holiday ornaments!  Bring your kids and let them create to their hearts content while you shop!

The Kids Korner welcomes a small donation to help defray the cost of supplies.  But regardless, every child who visits the Kids Korner at the Holiday Market will get to make an ornament of their own and take it home to hang on their tree!

The Sunday Market Vendors and Volunteers have not forgotten the Reason for the Season.  Customers are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or children’s item to donate to Grace Is The Key.  This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit has adopted over 150 children in nearby Modesto, California this year.  Grace Is The Key also serves dinner every week to unhoused families and has many other programs.  At its Christmas event,  toys and children’s gifts, donated by visitors to the Holiday Market and many other kind souls in our community, will delight eager children whose families can’t provide presents for them without assistance.  The Sunday Market has a special place in its heart for this charity.  The parents of the founder and director of Grace Is The Key lived at Park Delta Bay for many years, and with their dear friend and next-door-neighbor, helped start the Market in 2020.    Though they retired and moved in August 2021, they will make an appearance at the Holiday Market to help gather the donated toys and thank Market customers for their generosity.

Since the event will be held indoors, it will be “rain or shine”.  Parking in and around the park’s common areas courtesy of Park Delta Bay.  Visitors should stop at the kiosk for instructions as they enter the park.  For information, call the volunteer Market Manager, Corinne Corley, at 816-520-9152.  For directions to the Park, which is located on the California Delta Loop, call the park office at 916-777-5588.  The Sunday Market encourages you to take any health precautions you feel are appropriate to your situation, including getting vaccinated, masking, and using hand sanitizer.

Nobody throws a Market like the vendors and volunteers of the Sunday Market, and this year-end event is guaranteed to be a Jolly Good Time!  Come join us for a delightful day in the beautiful Delta!  You’ll be so glad that you did!  See you at the Holiday Market!

The Sunday Market is sponsored by the Delta Bay Foundation, a California not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.  Park Delta Bay provides a venue for the Sunday Market without charge to help the Delta Bay Foundation in its mission to promote the culture, community, commerce, and conservation of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. 

All visitors to the Sunday Market’s Holiday Market assume risk of attendance.

NEW DATE!  Due to rain all weekend, Harvest Market re-scheduled to 10/31/2021.

Food vendor and Entertainment Subject to Change until Confirmed Availability!

On Sunday, October 31st, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the vendors of the Sunday Market return to the central meadow at Park Delta Bay.

The vendors offer a wide selection of stained glass, hand-crafted jewelry, scrumptious home-made sauces, metalwork, Delta Photography, candles, goat’s-milk soap, and so much more.  The talented Delta-based artists, crafters, and artisans will show and sell their wares under the big Tent.

Silo Farm Organics will bring their autumn harvest to the table.  The Kids’ Korner provides a place for children to do crafts and relax under their own tent while parents shop. Live entertainment by singer-songwriter Randy Carey will fill the air while customers stroll through the meadow.

A special event takes place during this market.  On October 11th, a devastating fire ravaged Rancho Marina RV Resort, a community just three miles from Park Delta Bay.  The fire destroyed at least fifty homes and displaced nearly 150 of our neighbors.

The staff, management, and owners of Park Delta Bay and the Lighthouse Sports Bar and Grill have worked together to coordinate and collect the contributions which have flowed into the Lighthouse for the benefit of those impacted by the Rancho Marina fire.  The contributions have been collected at Park Delta Bay and the two facilities will coordinate distribution to the Rancho Marina residents.

In the meantime, the vendors of the Harvest Market invite you to bring canned goods and nonperishable food items to the Harvest Market on October 31st.  All donations will be directly distributed to those impacted by the Rancho Marina fire.  Excess donations will be used to benefit others in need in the Delta.  For information about continuing needs for donations, please call Corinne Corley, secretary of the Delta Bay Foundation and Sunday Market manager at 816-520-9152.  If she is unable to help you, she will take your contact information and attempt to connect you with someone in the community who can provide you with the information that you need.  Anyone impacted by the Rancho Marina fire needing food, blankets, or clothing should contact our Park office at 916-777-5588 to arrange to browse the stored donations during normal business hours, 8am to 4pm.

The Sunday Market’s Harvest Market gives you a chance to enjoy the wonderful autumn weather at Park Delta Bay while browsing the booths for amazing wares for yourself, your home, or gift-giving.  Stroll under the trees enjoying the amazing music of Sacramento’s singer-songwriter Randy Carey.  Relax while you enjoy lunch  and stock your kitchen with Silo Farm Organic’s delicious wares.  But you can also be part of the #DeltaStrong Donations, helping our neighbors in their time of need.

Come out to Park Delta Bay on October 31st and prepare to have an amazing time.

See you at the Harvest Market!

Laurie Crosson Erceg speaking on the residents’ panel at Camp Tiny House 2019.

I first interviewed Laurie Crosson Erceg in the kitchen of her tiny house on wheels at Park Delta Bay.  As we talked in 2019, she showed me her tiny spice jars and talked about geese.  In a few minutes, inspired by her recollections, I scrolled through YouTube until I found it:   Lessons from Geese.  “That’s the one!”  Erceg’s eyes shone even more brightly, something I had not though possible.  We read a few lines together, about cooperation, helping others, working together.

In the tiny kitchen of her adorable abode, Erceg looked confident and poised.  At the time, she had just turned sixty.  She’d raised two children, lost three brothers, and successfully pursued two careers, first in health education, and then in career and academic advising.

But her “tiny voyage” began in 2014.  Finding herself unexpectedly single, Erceg decided to tour the U.S. in an RV.  “I loved that thing,” she acknowledged.  “I traveled from June to late October, visiting perhaps a hundred places.  I looked for the path least traveled, the unexpected and unplanned detour.”  She laughed about one in particular, which she thought might have been called The Thing.  “It was a fake mummy or something, but the tourist attraction signs drew me to it.  I got a kick out of it!”

As a result of her road trip, she knew that “small space living” would be right for her.  “I like the feeling of having minimal possessions around me, but with each of them having meaning,” she explained.  She pointed to object after object that came from family or friends, touching each one  as she identifies the cherished soul whose memory it evokes.  On her counter sat the last little crystal goblet from her mother — dainty and delicate, just right for the place it now occupies.  “I’ll put a flower or something in it,” she observed.

Although she had enjoyed traveling in her RV, Erceg preferred the warmth of a house with wood.  Her tiny home reflected the gentleness of her personality, with hues of soft green and lavender.  She wanted to park her home in a community.  Erceg chose Park Delta Bay at the recommendation of the owners of East Bay Co-Housing.  She had met them at TinyFest, and reached out for recommendations as the time to take delivery of her house approached.    She helped to build a community spirit at Park Delta Bay, starting a game night, working on holiday events, and helping to form a resident’s committee to plan activities and gatherings.  “I feel best when I have connection to community,” she admitted.

As for what she liked about her chosen life-style, Erceg didn’t hesitate.  “Freedom and comfort,” she replied.  She said that living a life surrounded by substantially fewer material possessions has allowed her to embark on self-discovery.

A year later, life took an unexpected and sad turn for Erceg.  Her last brother died; and a few months later, her son died by suicide.   After getting through the overwhelming aftermath of her son’s death, she felt that she had to leave her tiny home.  The tiny house and the community were each parts of life which she knew had to be archived.  She loved her house and her neighbors, but the memories of the tragedies she had experienced seemed to dwell in that place.  She also needed to be near her daughter and grandsons, who were her anchor in the tumult of loss.  Leaving became paramount to her survival.

Erceg experienced transition from tiny living as reverting to the type of dwelling in which she used to leave but for her it was necessary to have a stable, convenient, and comfortable space in which to be at that time.    She put an ad in the Rio Vista paper and found a tenant for her tiny house, a young lady from the community.  After eight months, her tenant wanted to move out, but her tenant’s mother wanted to rent the adorable abode.  Eventually, the lease turned into a rent-to-own.

In the meantime, Erceg continued her business as a teacher of parents and teens.  She founded Weteachlifeskills.org from which she and a colleague offer virtual parenting classes and educator training and in addition, career and academic advising for teens and young adults – 19 to 25.  She believes that a twenty-first century phenomenon is that young people leave college with no jobs and no job prospects.  So she starts with kids at the end of junior year in high school, helping them explore internships and job-shadowing in order to segue into a job.   All of this is done virtually so she able to do it wherever she is.

So, she’s decided to go on the road once again.  She is working on making it a purposeful adventure but not anything forced.  Her goal is to create a joyful journey.  She acknowledges finding joy in her work but she wants to expand the depth of her life by directly serving young people in foster care.  She is collaborating with several California organizations which work with foster children or other teens.  She will be counseling students and helping them navigate teen years, employment, confidence building.    In addition to her online teaching, she will travel to various California locations to work with these groups and their clients.

Later this fall, she will begin by traveling through the southwest in her new van conversion, a Mercedes Sprinter 2500 which she clearly loves.  Her carpenter daughter will be doing a few modifications such as installing a small toilet and an on-demand hot-water heater.  But otherwise, the van perfectly suits her.  Erceg looked at hundreds on line and a dozen vans in person.  None suited her.  One evening, while on the phone with a friend, the friend suggested that she check Facebook Marketplace.  She brought it up while they were talking and there was her van!  She instantly knew it was the right one for her.  Erceg trusts her gut. The sale of the van went so smoothly.  Things fell into place so well, which for her was  good indication that she was on the right track.

I asked Erceg what her biggest challenge would be.  She answered with characteristic calm.   “As with RV trip, family and friends express a lot of concerns as to safety and security.  I’m therefore preparing to have everything I need in the van.  Food, water, power.”  She thought parking might be a challenge, but has found several websites and apps to help.  Erceg says she has been reading over the book she made during her RV trip, and might reconnect with folks that she met.  Listening to her talk about going over the road, it’s hard not to be jealous.

I asked Erceg if she had set a goal for this phase of her life.  She had a thoughtful if ready answer.  “First and foremost, creating as I travel.  I want to be open to the experiences as I was on my RV trip.  I will stay safe knowing where I will be each evening.  I plan to contribute as much as I can to the various organizations as a volunteer, while still maintaining an income.  And, always, ever, my goal is to live my best life in honor of my son and myself.”

Erceg will speak and show off her new van at Camp Tiny House 2021, October 09 – October 10, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of Park Delta Bay.  We can’t wait to see her new wheels.

The River Delta Fire District Sunday Crew at the Sunday Market in 2020 at the height of the first wave of the pandemic.

The Sunday Market closes its 2021 Summer season on August 22nd with a market event to raise community awareness and funds for the River Delta Fire District.

Hosted by the Delta Bay Foundation in the central meadow at Park Delta Bay, the Sunday Market provides an opportunity for Delta-based vendors to show and sell their wares.  Its flagship Farm Stand allows visitors to buy fresh, amazing produce from Silo Farm Organics, a Walnut Grove-based organic farm.  The food booth features the McBoodery Deli of Isleton with its Zombies, sandwiches, cold drinks, and cookies.  The Sunday Market also hosts a Kids Korner, where children can participate in crafts while their parents shop within sight under the Market Tent.

This will be the second year that the Sunday Market welcomes the men and women of the River Delta Fire District to Market Row.  The first-responders will showcase one of their rigs and invite children to partake of activities geared toward understanding fire safety.  The fire crew will mingle with Market customers and talk about the events of this difficult summer in California.

Each of the dozen vendors at the Sunday Market will participate in fundraising for the River Delta Fire District at the August 22nd Market.  Donations cans staged throughout the Market will allow visitors to give what they can to support our all-volunteer Fire District.  The Fire District “is approximately 30 square miles and is located near Highway 12 and Highway 160 near the City of Rio Vista and Isleton, California”.  As we all know, these two highways “are major commute and truck routes to and from the San Francisco Bay area and San Joaquin Valley”.  Major accidents happen on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.  Our Fire District first responders immediately rush to the aid of affected citizens, providing triage medical care, fire services, and other emergency aid.

The River Delta Fire District “also encompasses several small arteries of roads and bridges that meander adjacent to and travel over several hundred miles of  major delta waterways near resorts and marinas”.   A base population of 2,000 can swell to 20,000 in peak season, straining the Fire District as it responds to emergencies throughout its extensive jurisdiction.  From house fires to car accidents to brush fires and medical incidents, the men and women of the River Delta Fire District rescue their citizens time and time again.  No one who lives in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta can doubt the profound reliance that all of us have on these brave first-responders.  Yet they all serve without compensation, for love of community and from a deep-rooted sense of personal responsibility.

For this reason, the Sunday Market invites you to bring your spare change (or checks or folding money!) to the August 22nd Sunday Market and contribute to their efforts to raise funds for the River Delta Fire District.

Of course, while at the Sunday Market, you’ll be able to shop for yourself, your home, and for gift-giving.  Browse unique hand-crafted jewelry, stained glass, candles, and soaps, and more.  Vendors offer specialty drink mixes, hot sauce, doggie treats, and baked goods in addition to the organic veggies at Silo Farm Organic’s booth and the marvelous food by the McBoodery.  Live entertainment will tickle your fancy all the while!

Market hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   This will be the last summer Sunday Market.  A Harvest Market is planned for October 24th, and a Holiday Market will hopefully take place inside the Park’s community building on December 12th, provided the pandemic cooperates this year!

Our special entertainment on August 22nd will be provided by Dustin Heer, who will be helping to raise funds for the Fire District.  Watch for more information on this talented Bay-area performer!

So come on out to Park Delta Bay, August 22nd, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for the last Sunday Market of the 2021 summer season.  Browse the wonderful offerings at the various vendors, and donate to an absolutely indispensible organization, the River Delta Fire District.  See you at the Sunday Market!

Learning about fire-fighting at the 2020 Sunday Market.

A family enjoys the Kids Korner, including its nearly new baby!

The Sunday Market, sponsored by the Delta Bay Foundation, continues to welcome visitors to the Delta Loop from the central meadow at Park Delta Bay.

New to the Sunday Market for the 2021 Season, the Kids Korner has already delighted visitors and will continue to bring hours of fun!

The brainchild of Market volunteers, the Kids Korner allows children of visitors & vendors alike to enjoy crafts and a shady spot while their parents browse the booths at the Sunday Market.  (Market volunteers do not get paid to mind children, so the Market asks that parents keep a watchful eye from the nearby Market tent.)

In recent weeks, children have made small birdhouses, tie-dyed, and painted small wooden trinkets!  Auntie Donna Jean, a park favorite, and other volunteers guide their efforts.  The Market asks only for a few dollars’ donation if families are able to contribute for supplies.

The Sunday Market will premier live entertainment at its August 08th market.

Bryan Keith photo courtesy Alfia Porter Pearson

Bryan Keith will entertain customers with his 60’s and 70’s cover and country favorites on acoustic guitar.  Keith is a native of Martinez and has lived in Sacramento for the past fourteen years.  He started playing guitar at age six and has an illustrious past, opening for the likes of Justin Moore, Steve Azar,  and Blue County in the 2011 time period.

The remaining summer dates for the Sunday Market are August 08th and August 22nd.  Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The Park is located at 922 West Brannan Island Road on the California Delta Loop.  Our mailing address is Isleton, but we are off Highway 12 on Brannan Island Road.  For more information about the Sunday Market, check out its website at thesundaymarket.org or call the secretary of the Delta Bay Foundation, Corinne Corley, at 816-520-9152.

The Park provides space for the Sunday Market without charge.  The Delta Bay Foundation is a California not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) exempt status.  Vendors at the Sunday Market are all connected to the Delta by birth, residence, employment, or family roots.

The Sunday Market’s Food Vendor is the McBoodery Deli of Isleton.  Its Farm Stand grower is Silo Farm Organics of Walnut Grove.  A core of seven vendors are joined on a rotating basis by five others.  To help customers plan their visit to the Sunday Market, we’ll be spotlighting the vendors.

Rachel Warren, a 2020-Sunday-Market and 2021-Spring-Market favorite, returned on June 27th with her Magical Alchemy Designs.  

Rachel Warren describes her vendor’s booth as a “Work in Progress”.  Standing in the wondrous arc of her creative wares, this label resonates.

Various sizes and shapes of glassware available, hand painted, dishwasher safe, $15 each or two for $25

Warren, a Rio Vista resident who appears on a rotating basis at the Sunday Market and other fairs in the region, finds her artistic outlet in varied and beautiful ways.  She specializes in painted glassware with a Mexican theme, but can personalize the items and accepts custom orders.  Her paintings vividly enhance any decor as well as appearing on stunning cards with blank interiors for your special messages to family and friends.  As seen in the photo of her Sunday Market vendor booth, Warren’s art cards sell for $5 each or 6 for $20, including envelopes.

Warren’s work shows  focus tempered with whimsy; passion paired with humor; and delicacy married with boldness.

Like many of us, Warren loves pretty things — colored glass, sparkly gems, eye-catching geometric patterns.  She used to be a full-time jewelry designer and branched out to glass and paint while maintaining a love of gems and metal.  Her jewelry combines both delicate and bold pieces.  When fabricating a custom piece, Warren pays particular attention to a customer’s style.   She has been known to work back-and-forth with a sweetheart wanting a special gift for an anniversary.    We can only imagine the awe-struck gasp of appreciation!

Everything Warren experiences finds its way into her art, from the view on her drive home to memories of childhood.  “I find inspiration in the beautiful people and traditions of my Latino heritage,”” she explains, “but also in the awesome colors of the Delta.”

Her Mexican mother instilled a life-long love of art.  Mama kept her daughter well-stocked with art supplies.  Throughout childhood, Warren found herself always making something — a birthday card for a relative, or a hand-crafted candle from wax.  “It did not matter; I loved it all,” she remembers.  Her decision to expand her efforts from jewelry design to painted glass stemmed from her desire to make lovely but functional objects.

But Warren still turns her hand at jewelry, including bracelets with sterling clasps and gem stones arranged with Warren’s eye for coordination of size and color.  Sets can include coordinated earrings and necklaces.  She stocks pre-made pieces or can design a unique creation just for you or your loved one.

“Luna Verde”, 12×12 acrylic on canvas, $85, currently available.

Warren’s Mexican heritage shows most vibrantly on her canvasses.  But here, too, one can see a glimmer of the artist’s intense and admitted love of life.  Merriment dances in her eyes when she talks about her family, being on the rivers of the Sacramento Delta, and striving to perfect her art.

“Art feeds my soul,” she states, simply but with feeling.

There is a certain symbiosis at work, then, because  Rachel Warren’s spirit radiates from everything she makes.  To own an original by Rachel Warren is to take a little piece of her happiness to hang on your wall, like capturing the eternal glow of a Delta sunrise dancing through your window to dispel the lingering shadows of a gloomy night.

Rachel Warren of Magical Alchemy Designs.

The Delta Bay Foundation is a registered California not-for-profit charity with 501(c)(3) exempt status.  Its focus is the community, culture, customs, and conversation of the California Delta and surrounding areas. 

The Sunday Market 2021 season has been the 2nd & 4th Sundays in June, July, and August.  The Sunday Market will reprise its Harvest Market on October 10th; and will premier its Holiday Market on December 12th.  The 2020 Holiday Market fell to the pandemic.  The Sunday Market vendors can’t wait to make up for the lost opportunity!  

For information on the Sunday Market, contact the secretary of the Delta Bay Foundation, Corinne Corley, by email at ccorleyjd@gmail.com; or by phone at 816-520-9152.

Making its debut at the Sunday Market, the McBoodery Deli of Isleton offered its amazing Zombies in two sizes and various flavors.  Their storefront has been a popular favorite during periods of the pandemic when curbside or carryout was allowed under county and state rules.

Now that the state has  reopened, the McBoodery stepped out and stepped up to please Sunday Market customers with their fresh, store-made fare.  They plan to return on June 27th and hopefully throughout the summer.

The Sunday Market welcomed Silo Farm Organics back as its flagship Farm Stand. 

With their wonderful organic produce, herbs, and eggs, the women of Silo Farm bring a freshness and affordable luxury to the table.  Their signature heirloom tomatoes should be ready for the June 27th Sunday Market!  Reasonably priced and delicious, everything they grow at their Walnut Groves farm will enhance your home cooking!  Stop by and say “hey” to Ali and Jenn and get yourself and your family some delightful veggies!  We also hope they can bring their lovely flowers next time, if this heat wave doesn’t spoil the amazing blooms!

Under the Market tent, an amazing potpourri of hand-made goods awaited visitors.  From The Tiny Bakeshop with its delicious cakes, quiche, and cookies, to Lavender Lovelies with home-made soaps and lotions, the Sunday Market vendors have an endless array of delightful goods.

New to the Sunday Market this year are Coco’s Candles, Barb’s Bags, Botanical Cocktails, Brassdogs, Furever Jewelry, and the Kids’ Korner.

In the picket-fenced Kids’ Korner, Grandma Donna helped the kiddies paint, make birdhouses, play with bubble-wands, and generally run around being the wonderful little beings that they should be!  Grandma Donna, who lives at Park Delta Bay, had so much fun that she plans to reprise her role at future Sunday Markets!

The Sunday Market takes place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of June, July, and August.  The remaining summer dates are: June 27th, July 11th & 25th; August 08th & 22nd, 2021.

The Market hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Harvest Market is scheduled for October 10th, and a Holiday Market has been calendared for December 12th.

The Sunday Market features vendors who live, work, or have family in the Sacramento-San Joaquin California Delta.

The Delta Bay Foundation sponsors the Sunday Market and is a California 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and registered California charity.  Its mission is promote the culture, conservation, and commerce of the Delta and Bay areas.  The Foundation does not charge vendors to participate in the Sunday Market.  Space for the Sunday Market is provided by the management of Park Delta Bay without charge to help the Foundation with its work.

The Foundation also promotes local charities.  Later this summer, an event to raise funds for the River Delta Fire District will be coordinated with the Sunday Market.  For more information, e-mail the Foundation secretary, Corinne Corley, at ccorleyjd@gmail.com.

See you at the Sunday Market!

Here’s the summer schedule for your planning purposes!  Don’t miss opening day, June 13th, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  It’s sure to be an amazing start to the summer season!

The Delta Bay Foundation is a California not-for-profit which has 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.  Its purpose is to promote the California Delta and the Bay area culture, art, businesses, and community life.  Park Delta Bay provides space for the Foundation’s activities without charge.  The Foundation currently does not require vendors to pay a fee to participate in the Sunday Market.

For more information, contact Corinne Corley at ccorleyjd@gmail.com.

The Delta Bay Foundation, a California 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, started the Sunday Market last summer to give Delta area artists and creatives a venue at which to safely sell their wares.  Held last summer in July and August, the Sunday Market found favor on the Delta Loop with locals and visitors.   The Sunday Market also got to host a Harvest Market before the public health rules forced a close-down.  UNTIL NOW!

At present, six vendors have committed to participate in the Spring Market and several more will hopefully join Market Row.  The Foundation has acquired a long blue tent which will allow all of the vendors be centrally located in the beautiful meadow in the communal area of Park Delta Bay.  Additionally, the River Delta Fire District will be on hand to present a family-friendly safety program.  Attendance is free!  Some food and beverage offerings will be available for a donation.  Most of the vendors are “cash only”, though some take Apple Pay or Venmo.

Here is a preview of some of the vendors whose wares you will be thrilled to peruse!

Barbara Estlack-Brock collects, curates, and sells lovely china, glass, stoneware, and other cherished items from tables and china cabinets of days gone by as “Out Of The Past“.  A tiny, fiesty lady, Estlack-Brock sparkles and smiles when she talks about her treasures.  Rumor has it that she’s having a Spring Sale!  Her table glitters with lovely items and her extensive inventory might well hold a few pieces to complete your own tablescape for Easter or make an inspired purchase for Mother’s Day gifting!

Estlack-Brock lives in Vieira’s Resort with her son Bernie Edens and daughter-in-law Trinity Edens.  Trinity, an accomplished crocheter, also sells at the Market with her adorable Co-Z-Me array of hats, trinket travel boxes, potholders, and wash cloths.  Trinity might well put a little crochet heart in your hand when you browse her table! Trinity Edens is also an independent Mary Kay Representative so don’t be surpirsed if your purchase comes with a little free sample!

Many of the vendors at the Market make the items which they sell.

Mellissa Stolte, one of the members of the Tiny  House section at Park Delta Bay,  makes and sells Lavender Lovelies — hand cream, infused oils, hand sanitizers, sachets and other delights fragranced with the beautiful scent of local lavender.    Stolte plans a new array of lovely soaps and other fancy items which you can tuck into an Easter basket or a Mother’s Day package for your favorite lady!  Stolte’s goods found great favor at last summer’s Sunday Market, so be sure to visit her table early as they sell out very quickly!

Everyone loves to see the Delta dawn shining through stained glass reflecting its colors on your kitchen wall!  Tracy Holcombe designs and makes stained glass hearts, dragon flies, suns, and other pretty baubles.  They can hang from a chain or wire, or stick to the window with a clever suction cup.  Dangle them from your rear view mirror or the light pull on your ceiling fan!  “Kiss My Glass” has something for everyone, reasonably priced and pretty!

Holcombe lives in the loop and travels to the Market in her very own amazing cart, so watch for her set-up and ask about special orders, which she has been to be persuaded to take.

No Market event would be complete without Robin Pack’s “Tiny Bakeshop”.  Pack is a home baker who has turned her hobby into a delicious boon for her friends and neighbors.  Cakes, pies, muffins, and more delight Market customers!    Pack also lives in the Tiny House community at Park Delta Bay.  She is a retired teacher from Marin County with a sparkling smile.  Her offerings change every week but she is sure to have something special for spring!

Other vendors include Kristi South, of Studio South with spectacular pottery;  Rachel Warren of Magic Alchemy Design who will be selling her own jewelry, cards, and painted glass objects d’art;  and Pattie Whitaker, unveiling a new line of spring crafts as “Pattie’s Pretties”.  Miss Pattie was the summer grill master and we’re hoping she’ll reprise that talent as well!  The ladies of the park who had the ice cream stand last summer will be on hand with lemonade, ice tea, and bottled water.  Melissa Fink returns with her Delta Driftwood Designs, lovely jewelry, painted rocks, driftwoods signs, and custom driftwood art.

The River Delta Fire District will be on hand with the men and women first responders who protect us every day with their bravery and skill.  They will present a family-friendly safety program.  Bring your kids to meet the Fire Fighters on whom we all depend every fire season here in Northern California!

The River Delta Fire District Sunday Crew

We Love the River Delta Fire District!  Thank You For Your Service to The Community!

THE SUNDAY MARKET’S SPRING MARKET!

SUNDAY, MARCH 28TH, Noon to 4:00 p.m.!

Park Delta Bay, 922 West Brannan Island Road, On The Delta Loop!

Park Delta Bay is glad to be able to give space to the Sunday Market’s Spring Market.

The Sunday Market will honor whatever Covid-19 safety measures are in effect on March 28th.  Since the entire market is out-of-doors, we feel reasonable safe.  We will encourage or require social distancing and mask-wearing, depending on the Sacramento County tier in place at the time and what is required of outdoor markets pursuant to the orders which govern on that day.  Disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be available for anyone who wants or needs to use them.  We want you to be safe and comfortable!   Visitors assume the risk of attendance.