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The Farmer’s Market was
established in 1991. It’s been going on for about 16 years of
success. It comprises 3 ½ city blocks and runs the entire length of
Alvarado Street. It’s a year-round rain or shine event. In the Summer
it runs from 4-8pm every Tuesday, and 4-7pm every Tuesday during the
Winter. In the Summer it is the largest gathering of people in Monterey
County, attracting more that 10,000 locals and tourists in one
location. The Market has grown significantly from 30 vendors in 1991 to
130 currently. You can travel the world in just three blocks, finding
arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, international
food, organic produce, flowers, and pastries.
Our produce vendors come
from all over California, from Salinas and Watsonville, to Fresno and
Sacramento. They sell Certified and Organic Certified produce. As a
visitor of the Farmer’s Market, people have an opportunity to speak with
direct representatives of the farmers.
Our arts and
crafts vendors come from around the world, selling the treasures they
find in their exotic travels. You can find things from Africa,
Colombia, Mexico, Russia, Japan, China, and Yugoslavia, just to name a
few. Our visitors enjoy the selection of handmade jewelry, furniture,
and crafts brought directly from our vendors.
Our food vendors are also serving up
delicacies that are as international as our products. It’s a great
place to try out Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, and BBQ delicacies.
In our Baker’s Alley you can find fresh pastries like baklava, European
breads, cookies, muffins, pies, and cakes.
In addition to the
products and food we offer, the Old Monterey Marketplace also includes a
variety of events that the community can take part of. You can donate
blood through C.H.O.M.P., adopt a dog from the SPCA, and even register
to vote. You can also enjoy music from local musicians and school
bands. During the holidays you can listen to carolers, as they’re
dressed straight from a Dickens novel, or listen to the smooth sounds of
a jazz band.
While the
Marketplace provides a plethora of food, produce, arts & crafts, and
community services, it is most importantly a cultural focal point of
Monterey. As the largest congregation of locals year round, the
Farmer’s Market offers a place for people to visit friends, make new
ones, catch up with acquaintances, and discuss current affairs. Our
vendors, some of whom have been in our market for up to 9 years, enjoy
the personality and hospitality of its locals and other vendors.
They’ve created relations with tourists, who seek out their products
long after they’ve returned home. So come and visit the Old Monterey
Marketplace, it’s more than a market, it’s a social event!
 
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