Downtown Morning Market returning after winter hiatus

REDLANDS, Calif. — Downtown’s Morning Market will return to its regular location this spring following its winter hiatus, the city of Redlands announced this week.

The certified farmers market will resume Saturday, March 7, in the municipal parking lot adjacent to Ed Hales Park. The market operates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot off Redlands Boulevard between Fifth and Sixth streets, near East State Street in downtown Redlands.

The city said the market features more than 30 vendors, including local growers, bakers, artisans, entertainers and other sellers offering fresh produce, prepared foods and handmade goods.

The Downtown Morning Market closed following its Nov. 22 market for its annual winter hiatus. At the time, the city invited vendors to remain active by participating in another certified Saturday morning farmers market held at the Grove School.

The market’s return follows months of uncertainty about whether the city-run downtown market would resume after the winter break. In the fall, the Grove School announced that its weekly market would become Redlands’ only certified Saturday morning farmers market beginning in late November. City officials, however, said at the time they planned to evaluate the best course for continuing the downtown market.

During the hiatus, city staff surveyed nearby businesses surrounding the downtown market to determine whether operational changes could benefit local merchants or improve the market experience. The city said the survey found just over half of surrounding businesses reported no impact from the market’s operation, while about one-third said the market had a positive impact by increasing visibility and bringing in new customers.

City staff said they will continue evaluating the market’s operations to determine how best to serve residents, customers, vendors and nearby businesses.

With the market’s return, the city is inviting vendors to participate this spring. The city said the market is open to certified farmers, food vendors, artisan vendors, activity or entertainment vendors and cottage food vendors.

Applications are available on the city’s website and are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

For more information or to apply as a vendor, visit www.cityofredlands.org/downtowns-morning-market.