The River Park Farmers Market is celebrating a major milestone in its 26-year history: seven million customers.
North Fresno’s popular farmers market was founded in 1999 and has been recognized as Central California’s Beste Farmers Market.
Driving the news: The farmers market has hosted over 1,500 special events, including cultural celebrations, live music performances, local hero recognitions and food festivals that celebrate the Central Valley’s agricultural prominence.
- The market also works with food assistance programs such as EBT, SNAP and WIC and partners with the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC).
- Over 800 vendors have had help from the market to start up from market booths to become small businesses.
What we’re watching: The River Park Farmers Market has dozens of events planned throughout the rest of the year.
- Some highlights include the Fresno Strawberry Festival and Beatles Tribute on April 29, the River Park Golf Expo on May 13, the River Park Lei’d Back Luau on June 17, the Fresno BBQ Pit Master Challenge on July 1, the Fresno Bacon Festival on Sep. 2, Oktoberfest on Sep. 23 and the Fresno Winter Festival on Dec. 16.
Go deeper: The River Park Farmers Market is operated by the California Fresh Farmers Market Association (CFFMA) and originally only operated on Tuesdays.
- River Park’s management later requested the farmers market to operate on Saturdays as well seven years ago.
- But River Park’s management told CFFMA to no longer hold the market on Saturdays, resulting in staff layoffs and a reduction in advertising, which funds the organization.
What they’re saying: “The River Park Shopping Center has been a fantastic host property and partner for 26 years,” said CFFMA Executive Director Peter DeYoung. “They support our mission of caring for the community and providing a gathering place for small businesses, charities and support of local farmers. We expect to see unprecedented market growth in 2025, as the nutritional needs of the less fortunate have never been greater. The Tuesday farmers market is a lifeline for thousands of families in need, as well as Fresno’s premier gathering place for family fun and good eats every Tuesday.”
