1. It’s about building community through a successful social and
shopping event
2. Despite all the challenges and roadblocks, ideas for downtown
keep bubbling up
3. City Council should add this to the list of reasons to assist
in coordinator’s hire
There’s a move afoot to resurrect a Farmer’s Market in downtown Gilroy. The preliminary thought is to hold it on Sunday, thus avoiding competition with the Morgan Hill market, and taking advantage of those who would like to shop and socialize after church. Moreover, it may be held next to the Community Demonstration Garden. That not only gives plenty of parking options, but it integrates a supply stream of produce that’s grown right in our collective back yard.
The early talk is exciting. Besides selling produce from the garden, workshops could be held in conjunction with the Sunday event – shop the market and attend a session on composting or native gardening. Involving local businesses will be key. Would First Street Coffee or Sue’s Coffee sign up to operate a remote coffee stand? How about the renowned makers of Silva Sausage, one of the city’s newest business additions – would they commit to a sandwich stand? There’s also the possibility of a rotating wine tasting booth manned by our local vineyards.
It’s a work in progress of course, but the most heartening aspect is that, despite all the challenges for downtown, the community keeps coming up with ideas to bolster the area that is the soul of our city.
In order to succeed, a Farmer’s Market has to have staying power. A marketing plan and a variety of high-quality vendors who are committed to the program are key. Both Morgan Hill (Saturday day) and Hollister (Wednesday afternoons), have successful Farmer’s Markets. It’s not rocket science. Gilroy can do it.
Jennifer Williams, the Executive Director of the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau based in Morgan Hill, would certainly be willing to act as a conduit for seeking out local farmers interested in participating.
Successful Farmer’s Markets are like variety shows. The ingredients vary from bounce houses for the children to local restaurants showing off their dishes to artists selling crafts.
The concept isn’t hard to grasp, but it does need a champion. The City Council should strongly take a revived Farmer’s Market into consideration when weighing whether to help out the Gilroy Downtown Association with a commitment to help fund an event activities director. This is yet another potential benefit in a list of many.
Councilman Peter Leroe-Muñoz attended an initial meeting. Perhaps he will carry the flag for downtown revival. There’s no reason Gilroy can’t be home to a thriving Farmer’s Market. It should just be one more reason why Gilroy is Great!
