New farmers' markets are sprouting in Hollywood, giving local farmers, artists and craftsmen a venue to sell their products to the community.
The ArtsPark Saturday Market made its debut one month ago at Young Circle, and Mike Wharton, ArtsPark & Cultural Affairs Division administrator, said the public has shown a definite interest.
“It seems more of a trend for the public to buy local,” Wharton said. “Opening a farmer’s market is something we’ve always thought about, and after seeing how successful other markets have been, we thought we would give it a try.”
The Market Company, Inc., the organization responsible for the Lincoln Road Farmer’s Market in Miami, organizes the weekly Saturday event. Claire Tomlin, principal of the Market Company, Inc. who has more than 15 years experience producing farmers’ markets, said she recognized the potential for a successful farmer’s market at the ArtsPark.
“When the City renovated ArtsPark, I just thought it was a prime location for a market,” she said. “It makes shopping so easy for people in Hollywood because of the surrounding businesses and parking.”
The open-air market contains 20 vendors who sell products like organic fruits, honey, flowers and handmade soap, but Tomlin said she expects the number to climb between 40 and 50 once vegetables are harvested in November.
“We’re seeing the neighborhood discover the market, and we’re seeing a lot of repeat business,” she said. “We’re gearing up for the fall and are really excited.”
Tomlin said she would love more arts and crafts featured at the ArtsPark Saturday Market, so she encourages local artists to look into showcasing their work at the event. And since ArtsPark receives most of its foot traffic at night, Wharton said they decided to operate from 4 to 10 p.m., setting it apart from early morning markets.
“The Saturday Market is connected to the Downtown setting,” he said. “It’s a nice park setting with both dancing and music. People should come out and see what it has to offer.”
In addition to the ArtsPark Saturday Market, Hollywood will soon sport the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market.
Scheduled to open in November of last year, the market encountered several permitting and safety violations, postponing its debut to this October. The City required changes to the market’s plumbing, electrical and fire alarm systems, as well as changes to its parking lot and landscaping.
Violeta Beaumont, marketing coordinator of the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market, said the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market reached an agreement with the City at the July 7 City Commission meeting, and the market is in the process of making the necessary changes to open for business. She said final inspections should be completed by mid-August.
And despite the setbacks, Beaumont said the public is still interested in the farmer’s market.
“The public inquires every day to see if we are open,” she said. “The response is still there.”
The response is still there amongst vendors as well. The market, located at 1940 N. 40th Road, will contain 330 booths, 255 of which have already been rented by local vendors. Beaumont said vendor products emphasize environmentally friendly, green products and include organic vegetables and fruits, jewelry and coffee. In addition, the market will also contain entertainment.
“This farmer’s market is very much like a California- or New York-style farmer’s market where you can spend an entire day there,” she said. “You can have lunch, there’s face painting for the kids and the products will be high quality and priced well.”
The market will remain open year round on Thursdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about the ArtsPark Saturday market, visit www.themarketcompany.org, and for more information about the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market, visit www.ygfarmersmarket.com.
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