CHICO – Downtown Chico’s Thursday Night Farmers Market kicks off its 27th season Thursday with more vendors than ever before.
“We’re opening with 120 vendors, much more than in the past couple of years,” said Lucia Mercado, Downtown Chico Business Association events manager. “Last year we opened with 90 vendors and the year before a lot less, like 70 or 80.”
The market will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. However, from 5 p.m to 10 p.m. there will be street closures including Broadway Street from West Second to West Fifth streets and West Third and West Fourth streets from Salem to Main.
In addition to more vendors, the 2024 market season also offers more opportunities to enjoy the shopping and entertainment as it’s opening two weeks earlier and closing two weeks later than in previous seasons. In the past, the market has opened the first week of May and closed the second week of September. This year, the market opens April 11 and runs every Thursday, except July 4, through Sept. 26.
With an increase in vendors, this year’s market promises an even more extensive selection of farm-fresh produce, flowers, artisanal crafts, delectable cuisine and live entertainment. Attendees will have access to locally grown fruits and vegetables straight from the source. From vibrant heirloom tomatoes to crisp apples, shoppers can indulge in the season’s bounty while supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture practices.
Among the 120 vendors expected on opening night are 30 food purveyors. Among the 30 are nine newcomers including Lovebird Coffee, M Taquito, Caribbean Café, Tom Tom’s Island Style, Acai Nativo, Taqueria Los Betos, Pumped Coffee, Meze Moon and Taste of Thai.
“With all the food vendors, people will have plenty of choices of places to eat,” said Mercado. “And, that doesn’t even include all of our many wonderful downtown restaurants that will be open.”
There will also be an abundance of live entertainment Thursday with local favorites including Lone Wolf, Ron Bruder, Mars! Robinson and the North State Symphony.
“Our goal is to have four performers in four locations at every market,” said Mercado. “The musicians are paid strictly by tips so, if people enjoy the music and if they are able, we ask they donate to these really talented musicians.”
About 9,000 people attended the 2023 season opening market and the peak attendance during the season reached just over 10,000 people. Overall there were 46 percent more vendors throughout the full 2023 season than the 2022 season.
“We’ve made a complete comeback since COVID and that’s a big success for the team and made everyone very happy,” said Mercado. “We’re very excited for this year’s market and looking forward to meeting and greeting everyone. There’s a lot on the horizon. It’s going to be a good year.”
A map of the market, including performer and restroom locations, is scheduled to be published on the Downtown Chico social media pages this week and more information is available at the Downtown Chico website www.downtownchico.com
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