Second Saturday Market gets revamped for more produce

By Adam Wolfe

The city of Maricopa is looking to revive the Second Saturday Market to create a thriving market for local produce.

The Second Saturday Market would provide Maricopa residents with the chance to enjoy fresh produce and organic products while supporting local businesses. The goal of the project is to get local businesses and farmers involved to create a thriving monthly market.

“We’re hoping to get more local vendors involved,” Niesha Whitman, special events and marketing manager for the city of Maricopa, said. “We didn’t have any farmers last year. We’re hoping to have plenty of produce this year.”

In previous years, the Second Saturday Market has not been successful for Maricopa. Whitman believes the main cause of that is a lack of local involvement.

“This could be great for the local economy,” Whitman said. “We’d like to have local DJs or face painters come out each week to provide something new for the participants. It would give local community members a chance to showcase their talents.”

Whitman and other city officials have also been speaking with Produce On Wheels (POW) to help provide more items for the market. POW, along with local vendors, would provide more than enough produce to create a thriving market.

The market is expected to be open on the second Saturday of each month from November through May from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost for vendors will be $40 for to participate in the whole season, or $10 per market. Vendors are required to have a valid business license to participate.

Event coordinators will be looking for vendors and volunteers for the event in the mean time. For more information on the event, visit www.maricopa-az.gov/web/2nd-sat-market.