If you enjoy fresh produce from the world famous Santa Maria Valley and helping high school students raise money to support a campus monthly magazine, then plan to attend or participate in the Ernest Righetti High School Farmers Market.

The second annual fundraising event to keep the written word alive takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2 at the school's east parking lot, Bradley and Foster roads. Vendor space is still available.

More than 20 vendors are expected and will feature delicious fruits and vegetables, some of which will be donated by local farmers. There will be a variety of food offerings including barbecue, as well as entertainment, arts and crafts and other booths.

Teacher and Adviser Robert Garcia said the students have been hard at work organizing the event’s financial and marketing responsibilities.

"The students are also learning great communication skills as they speak with vendors and the community,'' Garcia said.
Student Cameron Reese and classmates are enjoying starting and completing the project from scratch.

"This is a really good experience for all of us students,'' Reese said. “It’s teaching us life skills we can take with us out into the world. Plus, it's a lot of fun.''

All profits are earmarked for the school's publication, The Legend.

Last year, Garcia and the students raised about $1,400 and some of it was used for video club member scholarships to colleges and universities. The students used the remaining funds to produce a few issues, but had to decrease the circulation due to high paper costs.

The Legend, which replaced the traditional school newspaper, is a magazine with news that matters to students. The publication includes perspectives from a wide-range of the student body, fantastic photographs and sports. It's also available online and students have responded to comments from readers throughout the nation and world.

For information about the cost of renting a space, please contact Mr. Garcia at (805) 937-2051 ext. 2503 or rgarcia@righetti.us