Felton Farmers Market History

In 1986 Felton residents began making a plan for the future of their community. When it was done, the Felton Town Plan included the idea of a farmers market. Principal in turning the idea into reality were Rene Lehman, a downtown businesswoman and Renee Shepherd of Shepherd Garden Seeds. The Felton Business Association loaned the startup money.

The first Felton Certified Farmers Market was held in June 1987 on a vacant lot next to the Post Office. As the market grew, it has changed locations several times to accommodate more vendors and an increasing variety of produce and other goods. Thanks to generous property owners who donated space, the Market was able to move to the front of the Slawinski Barn in 1993, the Presbyterian Church in 1995, and in 2003 to its present location at St. John's Catholic Church. The Market was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2000.

The market now includes more than thirty vendors who offer produce and fruit, fish, bread, wine, and an array of prepared foods.

Since its inception, the Farmers Market was about more than selling produce. The idea was to provide a community marketplace offering fresh seasonal produce sold by those who grow it as well as a variety of non-agricultural items prepared by local people, and to create a lively, educational and informative meeting place for the entire San Lorenzo Valley. Consequently the market offers a community table and entertainment by local artists.

The Farmers Market opens the first Tuesday in May and runs through Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Its hours are 2:30 to 6:30. When daylight savings ends, the market ends at 6:00. It's located along Hwy 9 in the parking area of St. John's Catholic Church.