FRESH FROM THE FIELDS
Farmers Market Guide
California has long been the agricultural capital of the United States of America, and the Central Valley claims bragging rights as that state’s most agriculturally abundant region. Last year, the Union of Concerned Scientists stated: “The Central Valley alone produces over 250 crops with a value of about $17 billion per year, contributing an estimated 25 percent of the nation’s food.” Yet, it’s important to understand the extent of what this corner of California actually encompasses. As stated by the Union, “The Central Valley includes parts of 19 counties, which together are home to more than 35,000 farms and nearly 6 million harvested acres. These counties also include 8 of the top 10 agricultural counties in the state: Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Stanislaus, Merced, San Joaquin, Kings, and Madera.” It’s nigh impossible to drive anywhere out of town without encountering a plot of land dedicated to growing or producing food. With this close proximity comes an exceptionally high standard for produce, especially among locals. Luckily, countless farmers markets make it easy for Californians to procure the highest quality fruits, vegetables, and other products almost any day of the week, come rain or shine. Here’s a round-up of some of the area’s favorite farmers markets.
FORT WASHINGTON FARMERS MARKET
Fresno
Fort Washington Shopping Center
Sunday, Year-Round | 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Located in North Fresno’s Fort Washington Shopping Center, at the corner of Friant and Fort Washington Roads, is a Sunday farmers market of the same name. Held year-round, this market’s offerings include local produce, baked goods, cheeses, honey, and other products such as juices. Knowledgeable and friendly vendors, many of whom are local farmers and artisans, are eager to share their goods with all who peruse the setting. Also present are freshly prepared food options if one is looking for a quick snack or lunch. For fresh local produce, brunch items, crafts, and more in a pleasant community atmosphere, this is the place to be come Sunday morn.
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OLD TOWN CLOVIS FARMERS MARKET
Clovis
Old Town Clovis
Friday | May to October
5:30PM to 8:30PM
Saturday | Year-Round
9:00AM to 11:30PM
The vibe at the Old Town Clovis Farmers Market is always as fresh as the produce on display. Food and live music from local artists make for good, wholesome community fun for foodies and music fans alike on Friday nights from mid-spring through mid-fall, as well as every Saturday morning along Pollasky Avenue. Check out Friday’s live music schedule, which headlines the event. In addition to seasonal finds, the morning market also includes pastries, breads, brittles, granola, and homemade pies. The market proudly features local certified producers and supports the NOSH Program, whose “eat one – give one” model helps provide food for families in need across five Clovis pantries.
RIVER PARK FARMERS MARKET
Fresno
River Park Shopping Center
Tuesday | Year-Round
5:00PM to 9:00PM
Saturday | Year-Round
10:00AM to 2:00PM
Twice a week, the Valley’s biggest farmers market convenes in the heart of the River Park shopping center. On Tuesdays evenings, this event draws a huge crowd and oftentimes features festivals and themes. Visiting the market on Saturday mornings is a perfect way for the whole family to get out and about. This year, the market will be celebrating 25 years of showcasing the Central Valley’s bounty. Here, you will discover the farmers who make it all possible, along with bakers, chefs, and specialty food producers, all of whom create culinary delights on-site. Visiting this market is a delicious and unique way to experience the community’s diversity in a highly shoppable setting.
TESORO VIEJO FARMERS MARKET
Madera
Tesoro Viejo Town Center
Saturday | Year-Round
10:00AM to 1:00PM
Even non-Tesoro Viejo residents are welcome to join in the magic of this Madera market, which has stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The market is set up in the development’s Town Center on Saturdays from mid-morning to afternoon. Neighbors and the public alike will find a vast selection of seasonal fruits, newly harvested local produce, freshly squeezed juices, farm eggs, herbs, local honey, flowers, succulents, baked breads, and treats galore. Additionally, there is a large makers market. Special events dot the calendar year-round with family-friendly themes, activities, and highlights related to seasonal holidays, happenings, and harvests.
THE VINEYARD FARMERS MARKET
Fresno
Northwest Corner of Blackstone and Shaw
Wednesday | Year Round
3:00PM to 6:00PM
Saturday | Year-Round
7:00AM to 12:00PM
The Vineyard Farmers Market, on the northwest corner of Blackstone and Shaw Avenues in Fresno, might very well be “California’s Most Beautiful Farmers Market.” Come rain or shine, this market convenes twice a week throughout the year and has been a vital part of the community since 1980. Here, Saturday mornings begin early and the Wednesday market runs from late afternoon to early evening. The market’s iconic arbor is adorned with climbing vines and lined with Italian cypress trees, making every day a beautiful one here. The vendor lineup includes local vegetable, fruit, and specialty growers, as well as food vendors.
VISALIA FARMERS MARKET
Visalia
Main Market | Tulare County Courthouse Parking Lot
Saturday | Year-Round
8:00AM to 11:30AM
Kaweah Health | Northeast Corner of Akers & Tulare
Wednesday | May to August
8:00AM to 11:30PM
One can choose between two locations and days of the week for the Visalia Farmers Market. The Main Market, which operates regardless of the weather, takes place on Saturdays and is the city’s largest farmers market. It has recently relocated to the north side of the Tulare County Courthouse Parking Lot, moving up Mooney Boulevard from Caldwell to Main Street. The Kaweah Health market is held mid-week at the Akers & Tulare campus, running from mid-spring to mid-summer. Both events celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage and aim to support local food systems by offering the public a wide range of locally grown produce and handmade goods.
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographers Gianna Cardella & Don Dizon
