PHOENIX – One of the Valley’s largest year-round farmers markets is getting a new home.
The Gilbert Farmers Market is moving about 5 miles south to Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler later this year.
The popular event will debut at its new site on Pecos Road west of Gilbert Road on Oct. 4.
The last market at the current location in downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District is scheduled for Sept. 27.
The Gilbert Farmers Market has been drawing thousands of shoppers to a park-and-ride lot near the East Valley town’s iconic water tower most Saturday mornings for 15 years, taking off only for certain holidays.
How are fans reacting to Gilbert Farmers Market move?
News of the pending change drew mixed reaction from fans of the event.
“Sorry to hear this. We love the current location. Close to home and other local businesses. It made for a weekly downtown outing. Being out there won’t have the same vibe,” wrote one commenter on the Facebook post announcing the move.
Some responses, however, welcomed the move, citing congestion at the current site.
“I love this! The parking situation has turned atrocious and maybe it’s just because I’m old and grouchy now but started to feel it wasn’t worth the ‘fight’ to find a parking spot. Plus, wall-to-wall people once you go to the vendors. Hoping you can spread out a little more now,” another commenter wrote.
Why is Gilbert Farmers Market moving?
The market is moving because the park-and-ride lot at Ash Street and Page Avenue is being demolished at the end of the year as part of the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan.
The event began in the lot in 2010 with fewer than 30 vendors and has grown to feature about 100 booths and food trucks each week. It’s open from 7 to 11 a.m. from May through September and 8 a.m. to noon in the cooler months.
The new Gilbert Farmers Market location has more space than the current site, so organizers are recruiting new small business owners to fill it up.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College also has more room for seating and parking.
More information about the market and how to become a vendor is available at its website.
