Since moving to Santa Rose a little over three years ago, I have spent many enjoyable summer evenings at the Santa Rosa Downtown Market. Through my daughters playgroup I was fortunate to meet and befriend Susan Leslie who has a long history of involvement with the Market. Susan has kindly agreed to be interviewed and share with us some of her knowledge about the Market.
To begin with Susan, how are you involved with the Santa Rosa Downtown Market and how long have you been involved?
I've enjoyed being a Market board member since working in downtown Santa Rosa. The downtown is Santa Rosa's "heart" and I've enjoyed being part of this community event for the past 7 years.
How long has the Market been around?
This is our 21st year!
What is new at the Market this year?
We are still downtown on 4th Street, but have a little different layout this year which should promote a more family-friendly feel. The Market goes from Mendocino to E St. (it was B St. to D St last year) with a kid's area in between.
What about the Market is unique to Santa Rosa?
The Downtown Market is a real Santa Rosa tradition. We showcase the "bounty of the county" with local food & produce, artists & handmade crafts, musicians and performers. Our mission is to have a fun time promoting our community.
To begin with Susan, how are you involved with the Santa Rosa Downtown Market and how long have you been involved?
I've enjoyed being a Market board member since working in downtown Santa Rosa. The downtown is Santa Rosa's "heart" and I've enjoyed being part of this community event for the past 7 years.
How long has the Market been around?
This is our 21st year!
What is new at the Market this year?
We are still downtown on 4th Street, but have a little different layout this year which should promote a more family-friendly feel. The Market goes from Mendocino to E St. (it was B St. to D St last year) with a kid's area in between.
What about the Market is unique to Santa Rosa?
You have a toddler. As a parent of a young child, how do you spend your time at the Market?
The Market is a great place for kids to experience Sonoma County fun! Some of our family favorites are the Jump houses, pony rides, face-painting, Rosie the trolley tours, the greyhounds and Humane Society animals, as well as all the different weekly events.
What event at this year's Market are you most looking forward too?
Kid's Night on July 1st!! There will be the circus, storytelling in the children’s library, the pen guy (with the car covered in pens), the North Bay Children’s Museum, magic show and of course all of the usual stuff – jump houses, ponies, face painting, chess tables, and the Sitter’s Place will be there.
As a Past President of the Downtown Market do you have any insider tips on how most to enjoy a visit to the Market?
We like to get there early, stroll through the market seeing the sites, enjoy some dinner in the square, and then buy some great market finds and of course good seasonal produce.
Is there a website where our readers can find out more about the Market and this year’s schedule?
http://www.srdowntownmarket.
Thank you for taking the time to tell us more about this year's Downtown Market? I hope to see you there next week.
The Downtown Market Blurb:
Come celebrate our community at this family-friendly festival on the square in Downtown Santa Rosa! The Santa Rosa Downtown Market (Wednesday Night Market) is Sonoma County's largest & most popular Farmer's Market and street faire. Every Wednesday night, from May 13 through August 12. The Downtown Market brings the community together to celebrate and showcase the bounty of Sonoma County by offering fine foods, fresh produce, a variety of entertainment, and handmade arts and crafts. See you Wednesday!
Readers! Please comment on your past experiences with the Downtown market. Have you had the chance to visit this year's Market? Do you plan to attend? Do you have any questions for Susan?
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I love downtown market but not so much this year. I miss the market being down lower on 4th street and incorporating the square. We used to meet up with friends on the lawn and eat our delicious supper. This year, there seems to be no place to meet up and no place to eat dinner. There were a few tables at the top of the market, but other than that there seemed no place to eat. We didn't see the ponies or the kiddy train this year. But we did see 2 people get arrested near the Brew Pub, which was never near the fair before this year. I recommend that the fair get moved back down the street and incorporate the entire plaza, giving large families and groups of friends a place to hang out, watch their toddlers play safely and enjoy their dinner.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to get this feedback about the market. It's important, and will go to the board of directors. Each year we attempt to design the best layout based on experience and feedback among other considerations.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you missed the ponies. They are located on D St. (on the side of Peet's Coffee - see map on website).
As for places to eat dinner, although this year the market doesn't border the west side of the square, it does run along the East side of the square as well as up to Mendocino. So, dining on the East half of the square (behind the jump houses) or crossing to the West half are options.
Thanks for your comments, and look forward to seeing you at the Market!
Susan