By June Allan Corrigan
Rancho Mirage Community Park is the place to be every Friday starting October 7th! As the new and permanent home of the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmer’s Market, this well-situated green space will play host to approximately 50 local artisans, chefs, food vendors and farmers each week between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. “It’s an absolute dream to be able to partner with the City of Rancho Mirage and have access to a long-term home to continue to grow the Market,” says owner and operator Christiana Green.
First launched at The Atrium in March 2021, the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmer’s Market also enjoyed a brief stint at The River in early 2022. The rain-or-shine (but not high winds) Market is looking forward to spreading its wings at the Rancho Mirage Community Park as it’s the perfect destination location. Concert and theater goers already know the spot well since it’s home to the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater. Dog walkers, fitness and sports enthusiasts, young children and their caregivers all frequent the outdoor space too. Now from October through May there is one more great reason to spend time at the Community Park!
Shoppers will find fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers at the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmer’s Market, not to mention fresh farm-raised meats, line-caught seafood and freshly made bakery products. All produce is grown sustainably or organically within a 150-mile radius. “Everyone is welcome to engage the farmers in conversation about where and how their product is grown. They all have Certified Producer Certificates,” says Green.
A variety of other food products will be offered for sale as well – items like handcrafted teas, gourmet sauces, honey and fresh-squeezed juices. Shoppers can browse the carefully curated selection of eclectic fare that will also be on hand – selections such as natural health products, handmade clothing, artisan jewelry, soaps and candles. “Everything is either grown, produced or handmade by the person selling it,” says Green.
The atmosphere at the Rancho Mirage Certified Farmer’s Market is sure to be inviting. Live music will be featured each week between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. plus a yoga instructor will lead a free class starting at 10 a.m. open to all who care to participate. Market goers can find parking along both sides of San Jacinto Drive or in the Community Park’s west parking lot.
Research shows that only 20 percent of people typically attend farmer’s markets. “That means 80 percent of the population has never been to one!” exclaims Green. She’s keen to boost that percentage and one of her methods is to make sure all farmers selling their wares be approved to accept both EBT and WIC payments.
Make plans to attend the Rancho Certified Mirage Farmer’s Market each Friday October through May at Rancho Mirage Community Park. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend and stock up on fresh produce and other handcrafted products in a community-oriented setting. Farmer’s markets make a convert out of everyone – even those who are unfamiliar, says Green. “It’s like the greatest event you’ve never been to!”
The Rancho Mirage Certified Farmer’s Market begins on Friday October 7 until May from 8am-2pm at a new location – Rancho Mirage Community Park!
