Signs of summer, like the intoxicating smell of fresh peaches, were in abundance at the return of downtown Santa Rosa's Wednesday Night Market.
Unseasonable rain had led organizers to cancel the event for two straight Wednesdays, a highly unusual decision for a market that has shut down only four times in its 23-year history.
On Wednedsday, the market returned along with the sun. People walked among food vendors in flip flops and shorts, squealing children bounced down an inflatable slide and a long row of chess players were back at their tables, trying to capture the king.
"This is fantastic, it's energetic, lots of smiling," said Jolie Cook, 35, of Santa Rosa who runs the chess booth.
"Everyone is done with rain," said her friend Al Orshan, 46, who owns Pizza Gourmet on Fulton Road.
Entertainers who missed their scheduled performances during the last two weeks will be called to fill in for cancellations and they may add a stage to accommodate more, said Market Manager Janet Ciel.
"This weather is spectacular, I'm so happy it cleared up," she said.
Market devotee Allison Paine, 25, of Santa Rosa said she called to be sure the event was on. "We come every single Wednesday," said Paine, who with her daughter, Leila Paine, 4, was in search of a face-painting booth.
The biggest crowds gathered near several performers.
Taiko drummers held people captive with their show at the main stage on E Street. People crowded around a strong-arm demonstration where Kenny Vanderzanden, 33, of Santa Rosa lifted an 585-pound barbell.
Cheers erupted when acrobatic wizard Jonah Katz, 22, stood on the head of Faeble Kievman, 29, and juggled.
"Give us five dollars and you can take me home, give us ten and you can have us both," Katz said.
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