Looking for a fun summer outing? Central Valley residents can look forward to another summer tradition. The Downtown Los Banos Farmers Market returns on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. from July 17 through Oct. 2.
The downtown farmers market will be a place where agriculture, small business and community come together. Some of the goods people can expect to see there include locally grown produce, specialty food vendors, artisans, local entrepreneurs and live music.
The live music and community-centered attitude will add to the atmosphere, creating a place where families and friends can gather and have a good time.
“Our vision is to create a destination where residents and visitors can shop local, support small businesses, enjoy entertainment and experience the energy of our downtown district,” said Maribel Garcia, executive director of the Los Banos Downtown Association.
Although the return of the farmer’s market was highly anticipated, the Downtown Association chose to wait until July for its return. Garcia explained that the organization is incredibly busy balancing multiple tasks and events at once.
“Rather than rush the launch, we chose July to ensure we could build a strong foundation for the market and provide the attention necessary to create a successful experience for vendors, farmers, businesses and visitors,” Garcia said.
The return of the beloved farmer’s market has been in the works for a long time. According to the Downtown Association, it has been years in the making. Throughout the planning process, they have been in communication with local farmers, vendors, regulatory agencies, community organizations and city partners.
“Every detail, from permits and vendor recruitment to logistics and marketing, has been carefully planned to create a sustainable market that can grow for years to come,” said Garcia. When it comes to recruiting local farmers, artisans, and small businesses, it is a community effort.
The Downtown Association reaches out through industry contacts, regional networks, social media, word of mouth and direct outreach to local farmers and entrepreneurs.
“Downtown Los Banos belongs to the community. The Farmer’s Market is another opportunity to bring people together, support local businesses, celebrate our agricultural heritage and create positive experiences for residents and visitors alike. We are excited to welcome everyone this July and look forward to building a tradition that strengthens our community for many years to come,” said Garcia.
