Farmer’s market moves to new location in Tempe

Joseph Starkloff

Downtown Tempe Community Inc. has recently moved its Thursday Night Market, which brings in local vendors to sell organic produce and locally made products, from Mill Avenue to the corner of Fifth Street and Forest Avenue. The new location will be next to the Downtown Tempe Urban Garden, and will allow visitors to explore the gardens flora scenery. Local musicians are anticipated to play each week.

Jackie Jaap, a volunteer coordinator for the weekly event, stated customers have enjoyed the lush new surroundings.

“People like to stroll around the garden . buy something to eat, and sit at a picnic table,” Jaap said.

There has been a recent uptick in the number of participating vendors.

“I think it’s been amazing. Last week was our first week, and after the market closed some of the venders called their friends and said, ‘you’ve got to get over here, you’ve got to come.’ So there are more vendors here tonight, (and) we think it will grow as the weather cools.”

Angela Huster, a continuing customer of previous years’ Thursday Night Market, stated she enjoys the new locale, but didn’t know it had moved.

“I came last week (out of) pure chance. I was at the bus station at the same time it started,” Huster said.

Stella McPhee, the owner of Horny Toad Farms, a participating vendor, stated that she hopes for the market to surpass its deadline.

“Now we’re scheduled through May, but we’re hoping to have this be a year round market,” McPhee said.

The market is expected to have several activities for guests of all ages and interests; along with the fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We’ve got local produce naturally grown (and) pesticide free. (Visitors) have the garden they can come and checkout. We’re going to do a lady bug release in a couple of weeks, (and) we’ve got some games for kids,” McPhee said.

Shelly Kelly, a worker for Fresh and Local, another participating vendor, expressed her preference for pesticide free produce.

“We found that there is little to no testing done on pesticides and the effects (they) have on prescription drugs. I have two special needs children . (one) was having seizures . and we found out it was (because of) pesticides,” Kelly said.

Her personal experiences lead to her involvement in the organic market business.

“This started out as a family hobby and then turned into so much more,” Kelly said.

The market will be open every Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m. Free parking is available across from the garden at the Tempe City Hall parking garage.

For more information visit www.thursdaynightmarket.com.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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