Marketplace Vendors Launch Monthly Mixer
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 11, marks the first in a series of monthly events at the Castro Valley Marketplace, where merchants will showcase their collaborative talents in food, music, art, and family-friendly activities.
Billed as the Marketplace Monthly Mixer (MMM for short) and open to the public, the event is scheduled for every second Thursday of the month between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Merchants on the first floor will offer special items such as Seven Hills Baking Company’s Raspberry Chocolate Blackout Cakes and pizza samples from Tony Gemignani’s Slice House, which is expected to open this year. Craftspeople Sumsaara will allow kids and their families to try their decorative wooden puzzles.
Several of the merchants are teaming up to showcase each other’s talents. For example, Seven Hills and Amphora will serve artisan avocado toast. Cordial Bottle Shop will hand out Prosecco spritzers enhanced with balsamic vinegar from Amphora. Barons Quality Meats and the Castro Valley Natural Grocery’s cheese department will provide charcuterie samples.
“When we first opened the Marketplace, we all had a vision of working together and becoming a one-stop shop where people come in, get simple recipes, and buy everything they need to make a meal with amazing ingredients,” Amphora manager Jen Mann told the Forum. “It'll be a fun night for everybody to come out and discover something new if they haven't already tried these vendors.”
There is no entry fee, but donations between $2 and $10 are encouraged. The proceeds will benefit the participating musicians and artists showcasing their work.
Upstairs, Smalltown Society will provide ambient music and curated paintings and sculptures from local artists for people to view.
“We’re super excited to bring more music and art to Castro Valley, and the Marketplace is the premier place in town to do it,” said Smalltown founder Paul Keim. “We’ve got a great roster of talented folks who can bring a lot of extra life to these events.”
There will also be a special section where families and children are invited to “Make a Mural,” a freestyle painting session on the bare walls in a vacant space upstairs. Paint will be provided.
“Our goal is to activate the space and create an environment where the community can truly experience what the Castro Valley Marketplace is all about,” said Castro Valley Natural Grocery president Donna Layburn. Our merchants have such wonderful things, and this is a fun way to enjoy them in a way you normally wouldn’t. It's just a chance to get to know some of the faces of the Marketplace.”