By Jenna-Lee Neff and Michelle Talsma Everson
With our gorgeous weather, now is the prime time to get out to a farmers market to support local small businesses, farms and creatives.
Locally, the Vistancia Community Farmers Market is up and running the third Sunday of every month. It takes place at The Village Of Vistancia HOA Community Center’s parking lot at 29701 N. Sunrise Point from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be markets on March 20, April 17, and May 21 before pausing for the summer months.
“This market is a family fun market and has new vendors on monthly basis,” says Christian Smith of Smiths Local Farmers Markets, which puts on the event. “Please come out and support your community market.”
Smith shares that the market features a wide variety of items such as: local produce, breads and pastries, cage free eggs, grass fed beef, local organic honey, salsas and sauces, speciality olive oils, cold pressed juices and tea, organic pet food and treats, health and wellness products, handmade jewelry, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music, and more. He adds that the market is pet-friendly, too.
To learn more, follow @Smithslocalfarmersmarkets on Facebook.
Nearby Farmers Markets
Love farmers markets and want to visit as many as you can before it’s too hot? Here are two more nearby markets that we recommend:
Pinnacle Peak Farmer’s Market
Pinnacle Peak Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market on Pinnacle Peak and 43rd Avenue in Glendale, located in the parking lot of Hurricane Harbor Water Park.
Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Address: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale
Website: facebook.com/pinnaclepeakfarmersmarket
Arrowhead Farmer’s Market
The Arrowhead Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market located on the north side of the Arrowhead Town Center mall parking lot in front of the old Sears building next to the AMC movie theater.
Hours: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Address: 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale
Website: getlocalarizonaevents.com/saturdaymarket
Farmers Market Tips & Tricks
use these tips to guarantee the best selection,
easy shopping and a comfortable day:
- COME EARLY
For best selection of produce, arrive first thing so that you have first choice on the variety of produce you’ll see at your farmers market. - BRING CHANGE AND SMALL BILLS
Though more and more markets are set up to take credit cards, carrying cash is a must. - BRING A COOLER
Some smart produce shoppers bring a cooler on wheels to keep produce fresh until it gets home. - DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring drinking water.
Practicing safety and physical distancing is a must.
Use these tips to prevent the spread of COVID-19: - LIMIT YOUR GROUP
Prevent overcrowding at the markets by limiting the amount of people you bring on your trip. - COVER YOUR MOUTH
Bring your face mask and wear it secured properly over your nose and mouth in public areas. - LOOK, DON’T TOUCH
Only touch produce items you plan to buy. The less people who touch an item, the less opportunities that exist for contamination. - STUFFY NOSE? STAY HOME
If you or someone in your group isn’t feeling well, consider postponing your trip to the farmers market. Pay them a visit when you are well.
