The Davis Farmers Market kicked off its year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary on January 17, 2024. The event brought together patrons, staff, and vendors for a group photo beneath a newly designed logo, highlighting the market’s significant evolution over the past five decades. The market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with additional Wednesday hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the months of October through April.
Founded in 1976 by a group of UC Davis students, including Henry Esbenshade and Ann M. Evans, the Davis Farmers Market has grown to become one of California’s pioneering farmers markets. Initially, the market featured just three farmers selling fresh produce, but today it boasts 90 vendors and attracts around 500,000 visitors annually, according to Randii MacNear, the Executive Director of the Davis Farmers Market Alliance.
Community Impact and Educational Initiatives
The market’s success is intertwined with its strong ties to the Davis Food Co-op, as many founding members of both organizations collaborated to create a mutually beneficial relationship. The Co-op commits to purchasing unsold produce from the market, further supporting local farmers.
Among the market’s notable initiatives is the Farm to School program, which funds school gardens and lunch programs while providing educational opportunities for students. MacNear described the program’s significance: “The Davis Farm to School program is this full circle thing where you start with the kids as soon as they enter school. They become your change agents, they become your thinkers.”
Additionally, the market is dedicated to assisting individuals needing nutritional support. Those using CalFresh and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) can utilize their benefits at the market, receiving vouchers for fruits and vegetables. MacNear explained, “When somebody has an EBT card, we debit money from that account and give them that amount to spend in the market with a currency called tokens.”
Vendors Share Their Stories
Local vendors are enthusiastic about the anniversary celebration. Debra Ariola, owner of Recollections, a booth specializing in vintage and craft items, is creating themed products for the occasion. “I just made a lot of watermelons, and, you know, vegetables and fruit,” she noted, adding that her business focuses on inclusion and anti-bullying efforts. A portion of her sales supports the Davis Phoenix Coalition.
Another vendor, Kevin Ellis of Tom’s Bakery, took over the business after his father passed away last year. Having participated in the farmers market since childhood, Ellis cherishes the long-standing relationships formed within the community. “I’ve known some of these people since I was a little kid,” he said, reflecting on his connections with fellow vendors.
The spirit of cooperation among vendors extends to inter-market trading. Dezla Dawkins, an employee at Tom’s Bakery, shared, “There’s a lot of community between the vendors, so we get a lot of discounts for fruits and vegetables, which we can then use in our products.”
As the Davis Farmers Market prepares for its milestone celebration, MacNear has planned various activities to honor the community and its history. “We’re going to be doing all-year-long social media posts and messaging about the history of the market, and also some then-and-now photos,” she said. A significant community event is scheduled for August 1, 2024, themed as a market family reunion.
Reflecting on the future, MacNear emphasized the enduring importance of the Davis Farmers Market. “What people feel is that it’s not going anywhere. There’s a permanency, and so I think it makes people feel like the market is always going to be here for another 50 years,” she stated, underlining her commitment to continuing the market’s legacy in California’s agricultural scene.
