San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market

With a prime location amid Central Coast farmland, the bounty varies by season but always includes the pick of local crops such as cherries, cucumbers, squash, nopales, nectarines and mushrooms.  (Mel Melcon / LAT)

The apricots speak to one marketgoer, Syrus Lamberson, 4. The market is open from 6 to 9 p.m. with about 50 farmers and 70 other vendors participating.  (Mel Melcon / LAT)

The fair-like atmosphere draws visitors from far distances to the college-town market, which began in 1983 and has served as a model for markets in other cities.  (Mel Melcon / LAT)

There’s plenty to amuse the smaller set, should broccoli — even the freshest sort — not hold sway. Face painting, popcorn, puppet shows and pizza are also on the bill.  (Mel Melcon / LAT)