FIRST FABULOUS FUJIS THIS WEEK
If you think you're feeling the hint of Fall in the air, you're right. Along with back to school clothes and supplies, it's time to pick up an apple for the teacher, and a bag for yourself too. You know what they say about an apple a day. Smit Orchards will be bringing the first of their fabulous Fujis, along with organic Royal Gala apples, to the Certified Farmers' Market at the Mercato this week. Take a bite out of Autumn!

GROW YOUR OWN
Even if your 40 acres is more like 40 square feet on a fifth floor balcony, you can do a little farming. Mission Hills Nursery's booth offers a wide range of bedding plants, from basil and mint to peppers and squash, along with potting soil, natural fertilizers and even garden gloves. New vendor Urban Plantations will be giving away a free starter tomato plant to each beginning gardener this weekend. They provide education and garden planning to city dwellers who want to get their hands dirty and experience the joy of harvesting their own little crop.

BATTER UP!
How do you know it's Labor Day weekend in Little Italy? The West Coast Invitational Stickball Tournament takes over the streets. Check out the grown boys playing old-rules ball this weekend on Columbia and Kettner Streets. Of course, that means you'll need to stake out a parking place early. Check out the lots at Kettner and Cedar or at Front Street and Cedar and avoid the traffic. Click here for more information.

DO LUNCH!
What's the perfect picnic to eat on the curb as you watch the stickball players? We think it's a rotisseried chicken from Grill Masters. Add a salad from Tender Greens, a ripe nectarine from Lone Oak Ranch and a crunchy meringue from La Patisserie and ripe strawberries from Kawano Farms for dessert. Or grab a hot turkey and brie panini from Seb's panini, a fresh juice from Schaner Farms and a brownie from Montana's. The possibilities are endless.

Shop the Little Italy Mercato every Saturday from 9 am to 1:30 pm, year-round. Shop Date Street from Kettner to Union

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MANNY'S LAST SUMMER SHOW
Manny Cepeda will be with us to say goodbye to Summer this weekend. He goes back to teaching next weekend, so keep an eye out for him appearing along with his students later this year. Meanwhile, take this opportunity to dance to the music!

REACH MERCATO SHOPPERS
Mercato shoppers eat all week long! Advertise your restaurant or lifestyle items in the Mercato Monitor, the newspaper that covers the pulse of the Little Italy Mercato. Email mercato@littleitalysd.com or call 619.233.3769 now!