New Farmers Market Coming to Capitola Mall

The culture of Capitola lends itself perfectly to a farmers market. It's forward-thinking, green-conscious and lush with delicious food. But for years residents have been forced to go to Aptos or Santa Cruz for truly farm-fresh produce and meats.

On April 26, that era ends as the Bay Area Farmers Markets Association (BAFMA) is bringing a new weekly market to the main parking lot of the Capitola Mall every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

"We've been working on it for the past year," BAFMA President Johnna Borello told Patch. "We finally got all the permits together and the approval from the city to start the market."

Together, Johnna and Jon Borello run seven markets. The Borellos grow a host of fruits and vegetables themselves, but only sell their cherries at their markets to make room for all the other farmers. In addition to the new Capitola location, their markets are in Morgan Hill, Cupertino, Mountain View, Campbell, Saratoga and San Jose. And they are thrilled to add a Santa Cruz County location to their roster.

"Our association is really excited because as far as we know, we are the first actual growers to start a farmers market association," Borello said. "Most of the others are run by government agencies."

The new Capitola market is in an advantageous spot because of the mass of free parking at the mall, Borello said. While parking is not an issue, BAFMA is still seeking to fill all 50 vendor spots that the market was approved for. So far, 37 have been filled. To apply for a spot at the market, click here.

Although the market will run during what is typically working hours, Borello expects plenty of shoppers.

"A lot of the community has said that they prefer a weekday market because it can be harder to get out on the weekends with kids with football practice and birthday parties and things like that, so a weekday market was really an excitement to everybody," she said. "It's more of a stay-at-home mom crowd. It's directed to the people that are in that area that work too, so people can come on their lunch break."

To celebrate the launch of the market, the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. at the April 26 inaugural event. That day will also feature free balloons, free face painting and live music. 

Are you excited for a new farmers market in town? What do you think of the weekday time slot and location? Tell us in the comments!

Want Patch in your inbox every morning? Sign up for our free newsletter!