Title
Discussion of possible relocation of the South San Francisco Farmers' Market to the downtown area. (Sheri Boles, Community Programs Manager)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the relocation of the South San Francisco Farmers' Market from the back parking lot of the Joseph A. Fernekes Building at Orange Memorial Park to the downtown area, City Hall back parking lot, as a one-year pilot program, operating from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Saturday, May 2, and running 26 consecutive Saturdays, ending on Saturday, October 24, 2020.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Since 2009 to present the South San Francisco Farmers' Market (Farmers' Market) operates annually in the back parking lot of the Joseph A. Fernekes Building at Orange Memorial Park on 26 consecutive Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning the first week in May to the last week in October. It is managed by a contractor, Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA), under the auspices of the City Manager's Office.
To stimulate attendance, in 2010 it was moved to the South San Francisco BART Station; however, due to lower attendance, in 2011 it returned to Orange Memorial Park. Attendance at the Farmers' Market remains steady but stagnant at approximately 150 visitors weekly with about 12 vendors participating. In an effort to boost the vibrancy of the Farmers' Market and increase foot traffic, staff featured weekly special events, including a Bike Rodeo and Electric Vehicle Showcase; promotions, including a free tastings booth and giveaways; as well as guest booths, including City departments and non-profit organizations. However, despite these added features, attendance remains lackluster.
OUTREACH
Farmers' Market Visitors and Vendors
In 2019 staff visited the Farmers' Market regularly to informally poll both visitors and vendors, asking for their feedback about the current location and the possibility of relocating it to the downtown area. Following are the results:
...
Click here for full text