SAN JOSE, CA – The 22nd year of the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, begins May 2, just as fruits including apricots, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes and raspberries start to ripen in California.
From May 2 to Nov. 21, the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market opens each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., on a vibrant block of San Pedro Square, at Santa Clara and San Pedro streets. The location and combination of fun, sunshine, fresh goods, artist booths, lunchtime eateries and festival atmosphere attract residents, students, downtown employees and visitors. With more than 2,000 people attending each week, the market features some of the best people-watching in the South Bay.
The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) has worked with the San Jose Downtown Association on the downtown market since the beginning in 1992. PCFMA selects up to 35 vendors arrive each week with fresh-picked seasonal produce, artisan breads and baked goods, fresh fish, cheeses, honey products, olive oils and vinegars, wine, jams, sauces and ethnic treats, all locally grown and made. They are joined by several local artists displaying crafts, jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves and clothing.
Throughout the season, the market includes:
- Live music
- Kids’ activities and arts and crafts
- Appearances by Mr. Carrot, the PCFMA mascot
- Cooking demonstrations and tastings with the Cookin’ the Market chefs
- “Green” days of eco-minded vendors and programs and reusable bag giveaways
- Fun promotional giveaways of recycled bags, pens, and mugs
- Enter-to-win contests, including bags of fresh fruits and vegetables. Get ready for cherry-pit-spitting, melon-eating and pie-eating contests
- Validated parking in the adjacent Market-San Pedro Garage
Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for the fifth consecutive year to present the market and focus on healthful and “green” living. For opening day, Kaiser Permanente will have its Blender Bike for Smoothies available for attendees to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.
Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags. Call (408) 279-1775 or visit
www.sjdowntown.com for more information.
About the San Jose Downtown Association: The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose. Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.
