Lupita Ferreyra
Community members relax and talk while surrounding the Santana Row Farmers’ Market information booth on Wednesday evening.
The Santana Row Farmers’ Market wrapped up its season yesterday evening with its last market, bringing months worth of weekly fresh produce and community connections to an end.
Held every Wednesday evening from May through September, the Santana Row Farmers’ Market featured a variety of local farms and artisans, which offered everything from seasonal fruits to baked goodies and handmade products.
Hailey Kemp, a vendor for Wise Goat Organics, finished her first season selling at Santana Row.
“We’re kind of introducing ourselves to a lot of people,” Kemp said. “It’s sort of a split between being the new kid on the block and then seeing some familiar faces … overall it’s been a great season.”
Kemp’s business focuses on gut health and fermented products and features probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, a variety of kimchi and fermented salsa.
This season, shoppers seemed to enjoy seasonal favorites such as strawberries, peaches, plums, cucumbers and much more.
Chuy Jimenez, a vendor for Urban Organics, described the season positively in Spanish, “Muy bien. Hay mucha gente, mucho negocio.” Which translates to, “Very good. There are a lot of people and it’s a lot of business for us.”
“No nomas nos ayuda a negocios pequeños como el nuestro y la economía, pero también es bueno para la gente, que salga, tome el sol. Vendemos productos orgánicos, so es bueno para la salud.” Jimenez said. Translated this means “It not only helps small businesses like ours and the economy, but it’s also good for people to get out, enjoy the sun. We sell organic products, so it’s good for health.”
Jessica Ruiz, a regular visitor, said the market is her preferred shopping spot.
“It doesn’t compare, Ruiz said. “I love coming here and dread the grocery store. Plus, the market is all about community. I mean, these people I see on a weekly basis. And of course, the quality of the produce here is just amazing.”
In recent years, the market has made efforts to improve accessibility to fresh produce, including accepting CalFresh/EBT benefits and participating in the Market Match program.
Annie Sampson, vendor of Groundswell Farm, reflected on the energy this season brought.
“The season’s been pretty great,” Sampson said. “The people are really sweet. It’s a really fun location to be at.”
The market is held right in the middle of Santana Row, making it easy for people to stop by while shopping, grabbing dinner or on their way home.
“A lot of the customers are super appreciative of having such fresh produce brought to basically their doorstep,” Sampson said.
Now that the final market is done, Santana Row leaves behind the fresh fruit and sunny afternoons. For many, Wednesdays weren’t just about restocking on produce, but about connection, routine and supporting local growers.
While the season is over, vendors and shippers are already looking forward to its return next year.
“I love coming and catching up with everyone, even though I see them on a weekly basis for the most part.”