There are many ways to bring a community together, but for the city of Davis, it was, and is, the Davis Farmers Market. Now in its 50th year, the market is the center of the community, drawing university students, farmers, schoolchildren, locals, and visitors from across the state.
A new video in our Destination Davis series, reminds us that in a world that keeps changing, some places stay steady and remind us who we are. That’s certainly the case with the Davis Farmers Market. Although it’s grown in size and scope since its founding decades ago, it still functions as it always has: as a way to connect farmers with consumers.
In the video, Randii MacNear, executive director of the farmers market, said it seems like yesterday when the market launched, with three farmers selling their produce from boxes on the ground. Back then, there was no such thing as a farmers market. In fact, Davis was one of the first.
But as the market grew, farmers saw the value in selling directly to consumers, and consumers saw the value of connecting with the farmers that grow their food. In fact, there was a time when the farmers couldn’t keep up with the demand.
“Davis fell in love with coming out here to Central Park and shopping direct from farmers. We have agricultural roots that go deep in Yolo County,” MacNear explained.
Today, the Davis Farmers Market is the center of commerce in Davis, with dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and produce to local honey, cheese, eggs, seafood, and baked goods. There are also local artisans selling their handicrafts.
“There’s just such a feeling of community,” MacNear says. “It just feels like such a great place to be.”
MacNear shared a story of a UC Davis student who came up to her and told her that he didn’t know anyone in Davis and felt homesick. But he went to the farmers’ market, and it was as though he had an instant family. He wasn’t homesick anymore, especially knowing he could come every week.
“The farmers market nourishes people,” MacNear continued. “It has become part of the identity of Davis,” MacNear said, adding that she knows the market will be around another 50 years and beyond.
Destination Davis: The Davis Farmers Market
You can learn more about the Davis Farmers’ Market by watching the full video on YouTube. Not only does the Davis Farmers Market offer fresh produce and gourmet food, but it also has live music and children’s entertainment in the summer. Consider making a getaway of it — check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your trip today.
