REEDLEY – Fresh food, handmade goods and a cooler evening by Central Valley standards proved to be the winning recipe for Reedley’s newest fall event.
On Sept. 4, the fall season of the Reedley College Farmers Market kicked off to full effect. The parking lot along Manning Avenue was filled with booths and pop-up shops of all types, bringing the community of Reedley together for an evening of fun.
“It’s the best, getting to meet the people that would just be a name on the screen on my website,” said Savanah Bennett of Sourdough by Savanah. “I get to say ‘hey, I’m from Reedley too, let’s get to know each other.’”
The market will run every Thursday through Nov. 6, from 5-8 p.m. This series of markets is made possible thanks to a partnership between Reedley College, Reedley Street Eats and Sierra Kings Health Care District (SKHCD), who acquired a USDA grant last year to continue to fund the market.
According to Chinayera Black-Hardaman, CEO of SKHCD, the biggest push behind the market is to provide an opportunity for exposure to fresh produce, and to promote healthier purchasing habits. To further accomplish this, Black-Hardaman noted that the first 10-15 attendees of each market will receive $10 vouchers to shop at the market.
The markets will still have plenty to offer those who prefer to indulge, however, bringing a solid variety of food trucks for some hot and steamy goodness.
“Sometimes people come out for the food trucks but happen to buy some fresh fruits or vegetables, so we’re all about that,” Black-Hardaman said. “Sometimes people come out for the fresh fruits and vegetables and happen to buy stuff from the food trucks, so we’re all about that as well.”
Each week will have a new theme, ranging from meetups with beloved characters like Bluey and Sonic to a county night accompanied by line dancing. According to a few attendees of the market, the “Labubu Night” market seems to be one of the most anticipated.
“I’ve seen other markets do Labubu nights, so I’m really excited for them to do it here,” said Melissa Torres of Jeweled by Mel, one of the evening’s most attended booths. “They’re also gonna have a giant Labubu, so I’m gonna have to take a picture.”
Torres also noted that she’s already going all-in on the theming, and has ordered new charms to offer Labubu-themed jewelry that evening.
All of the dates and themes for the market’s fall season can be found on Reedley College’s social media. Those interested in vending at a future market are encouraged to reach out to call SKHCD or Reedley College.
