Image courtesy of California Fresh Farmers' Market Association
Written by Ben Hensley
Update: This story has been updated to reflect a weather-related schedule change.
Some of the silver screen’s greatest hits are making their way to River Park next week in a way that will leave guests experiencing them with a sense not generally explored in Hollywood: taste.
Fans of television shows like The Office, SpongeBog SquarePants and Pokémon, as well as Hollywood films like Lady and the Tramp, Star Wars and Elf will have the chance to taste the magic behind the movies, with vendors at Tuesday’s River Park Farmers Market featuring the Blockbuster Bites Food Festival.
The event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, but was moved due to possible rain.
From 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, guests will have the opportunity to try out Krabby Patties (SpongeBob SquarePants), Buddy’s Breakfast Spaghetti (Elf), Scooby Snacks (Scooby-Doo) and more, with guests invited to come dressed as their favorite characters to join in the fun.
“You’ve seen these dishes on screen your whole life—now you finally get to taste them,” Nico DeYoung, president of the California Fresh Farmers Market Association said in a news release Wednesday. “Blockbuster Bites is all about turning screen-time cravings into real-life bites. We’re not just serving food—we’re serving memories, one iconic dish at a time!”
The full menu will be unveiled at the River Park Farmers Market social media pages in the coming days. Buzz for the event is already hitting a peak on Instagram, with comments expressing anticipation for many of the selections on sale.
One comment expressed concern over the event being an April Fools’ prank — River Park Farmers Market shot down those concerns, confirming “It’s not. We’re in the business of good eats and treats.”
California Fresh Farmers Market Association Executive Director James DeYoung said that around 25 to 30 vendors should be on site selling the bites. Earlier this year the association worked with local chefs to match recipes with creators for the event.
DeYoung said the event is just one of many unique events the association offers weekly.
“Every week that we do the market we have a different theme,” James said, adding that often, the association includes a unique culinary tie-in to add a theme.
April’s themes will include Blockbuster Bites along with honey and strawberry festivals on the 8th and 29th respectively, an Earth Day celebration on the 22nd and a Star Wars-themed event on April 15.
DeYoung said a map for Tuesday’s event showing where vendors will be stationed would be available at the association’s website soon.


