Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Each year, the Julian Merchant's Association holds the Annual Merchant's Picnic to celebrate merchants and members of the community who contribute to the fabric of Julian. Nominated by the community, awards are given to members of the community for their service, volunteerism and business excellence.

This year's Merchant's Picnic was held at the Julian Farm and Orchard in Wynola. The beautiful venue showcased all that Julian has to offer: a wonderfully rural setting surrounded by the simplicity of nature. The gathering at the picnic included members of businesses, local organizations and groups.

Descanso Junction catered the event and provided a delightful selection of fruit, tri-tip, chicken, beans, coleslaw, cornbread and pies.

The Julian Chamber of Commerce President, Tom Nickel of Nickel Beer Company, started the festivities off by addressing the crowd. Newly elected Nickel thanked the Chamber's previous President, Jim Wayman, and other members of the Chamber for their support and hard work.

In recognition for their dedication to Julian Community Service awards were given to the following: Julian Community Heritage Foundation, Kim Simas, Friends of the Julian Library, Volcan Mountain Foundation, Julian Arts Chorale, Julian Woman's Club, Julian American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hawk Realty, Julian Triangle Club, Julian Fiddle and Pickin' Contest Volunteers and the Julian Fourth of July Parade Committee.

Dana Pettersen was given the Volunteer of the Year award for her tireless work with a number of organizations throughout the years to include the Julian Fourth of July Parade, Julian Community Heritage Foundation, Julian Chamber of Commerce, Julian High School Booster Club, Friends of the Julian Library, Miss Julian Pageant and many more. Pettersen was regarded by the entire crowd as an integral part of Julian. Pettersen was not present to receive her award however, a video of the event and the crowd's cheers was sent to her.

The extensive list of merchants that were recognized for their Business Excellence included Alter Experiences, Apple Alley Bakery, Community Valley Bank, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Don's Market, Miner's Diner, Mom's Pie Shop, The Candy Basket, Nickel Beer Company, Warm Hearth, Julian Arts Guild, Wynola Pizza, Jeremy's on the Hill, Julian Lodge, Julian Grille, Volcan Mountain Winery, Julian Mercantile, Julian Imports, Julian Trading Company, Julian Tea Cottage & Arts, Julian Theater Company, Julian Station, Julian Pie Company, Julian Mountain Spa and the Julian Mining Company/Farm & Orchard.

The recipient of the 2019 Merchant of the Year was awarded to the Julian Beer Company. Julian Beer Company opened its doors on July 4, 2018. Since then, the establishment has garnered a large collection of regular local patrons and many new visitors each weekend. JBC, as the restaurant and brewery is affectionately called, has created a fun and inviting atmosphere.

As the 2019 Merchant of the Year, they were given a banner to be used in next year's July 4th parade. The 2018 Merchant of the Year, Miner's Diner, passed along the town's ceremonial key.