Sept. 2: Pittsburg Farmers Market Returns

Councilmember Arlene Kobata expressed concerns from the public about the not having any weekend hours versus midday.

Staff shared they chose Wednesday because there would be no other competing markets in Contra Costa County noting they looked at other cities. They also looked at foot traffic and people who are still at home on that day. They said the weekends were saturated. The operator also had to look at his operations and vendors and where they would all be within the county.

Killings agreed it would be better on the weekend, but this is what works for the operator and vendors.

“I think through demonstrations of support, of opportunities like this, that we can show our community can support a farmers market or any business that plants itself in Pittsburg, it’s really about the support from the community,” said Killing. “I am definitely going to support it, but I think when we all looked at it said Wednesday, its not ideal, but for an operator still interested in coming to our community and make it work, I am willing to support it to give it a try.”

City Manager Darin Gale said the community needed to support the market for it to extend passed the 6-month pilot program.

“If people don’t show, the vendors will die off,” said Gale. “This was a vendor that has some farmers that will come out. Middle of the week, during the day, people will say why isn’t it on the weekend? The vendors already have days set to be somewhere else in the county. I would encourage people, to please think about buying their produce locally. But I am excited we actually have someone wanting to come to town.”

Gale noted they were also open to make changes if needed and the city would help promote it. He also called it an ideal location for the market.