The Modesto Certified Farmers Market is a local, weekly, event that promotes farmers and local businesses. The market takes place every Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m.  to 1:00 p.m. between H Street and I Street on 16th Street in Downtown Modesto.

The market is free to attend and has a family-friendly atmosphere with a wide selection of food, handmade goods and live music from independent local artists. It also offers a unique selection of products that cannot be found elsewhere or a mainstream retailer. 

A close look at some of the vendors provides an opportunity to learn about their goals and how they began their business.

Joanne Vega’s goal is to reduce the amount of plastic thrown into the ocean and teach people how to be more sustainable and help the environment through her own line of produce bags .

Vega, who is a former teacher, runs a business that involves selling plastic-free products ranging from lotion bars to neck wraps.

“This is my mission,” said Vega.

Vega began her business right before the pandemic started. Despite the timing in which she began, she has found successful business throughout.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, I felt like there was a lot more money because of maybe the stimulus, but now I feel that people don’t have as much money, so we’ll see,” Vega said.

Vega runs an Instagram account with her daughter under the username @californiacountrylifestyle.

Another vendor, Buster’s Butler Holistic Pet Treats, also  began business during the pandemic and was inspired by a family dog. Established in March of 2021, Paul Horst created pet treats that provide a healthier option for both dogs and cats.

“I started the pet treat business out of the Covid era. I started it last year and had a dog that had some issues and found out that what it was eating was causing those issues,” explained Horst.

Horst features his products on his website at bustersbutler.com, where a range of treat products can be found with their focus being on the use of calming CBD for pets.

Among the smell of different foods and live music played by individual musicians, a vivid and colorful booth stands out: Harmony Tie Dyes. Run by Brian, Heather and Onyx Gleser, Harmony Tie Dyes specializes in a variety of tie-dyed t-shirts with unique designs.

The business, which has traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest at big festivals, faced the abrupt closure of events due to the pandemic. The business is now back on their feet thanks to the market. 

“We fell back to our friends at the Farmers Market, and they obviously had a spot for us. We’ve been doing this since about January,” explained Brian Gleser.

He explained that, while the business has been successful online amongst the pandemic, he emphasized that nothing compares to shopping in-person in support of local business.

“You get to pick your own piece of fruit, so coming here and shopping local and supporting the local economy has been really good,” he continued.

Harmony Tie-Dyes has a store located in Downtown Modesto on 512 14th St, where customized, hand-crafted t-shirts are available to purchase.

College students from both MJC and Stan State have found the Farmers Market to be enjoyable and helpful.

Christin (alumna, English), an MJC and Stan State graduate, attends the market frequently and finds that the market’s vendors are successful in providing for students’ needs.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for college students to do some shopping for fresh vegetables that are local. I do think that’s important to a lot of college students,” Christin said.

Latica Duenas (alumna, Business Administration), who runs Girl vs. Garden and sells homemade spices, said the Farmers Market does a good job of providing needs towards customers and explains what it would take for a college student to successfully be a vendor.

“As a vendor, it just kind of depends when you apply. You’re kind of making a commitment, so it kind of depends on if a college student is able to make that commitment twice a week, every week,” explained Duenas.

Regarding what foods the market has to offer, visitors can order a delicious meal from a variety of vendors. Popcorn, Chinese food, sirloin and more can be found as the aroma of different foods fill the air.

A refreshing lemonade drink can also be found at Lemon Up, a local business run by Gabriel, Pablo and Lea that handcrafts their beverages.

The Modesto Certified Farmers Market began in 1979 by a farmer, a Modesto Junior College agriculture instructor, and then-Mayor Peggy Mensinger, whose goals were to  provide fresh vegetables to the community.  The purpose of the event is to continually provide fresh produce by local farmers straight to the consumer. The market  is open to visitors and those interested in becoming a vendor or partner. For more information about the market, head to their official website at https://modestocfm.com/.