The market involves local community organizations like 4-H

With just over ten thousand people in population, Kingsburg is a quaint Swedish-themed community nestled in California's central valley. Immigrants from Sweden settled the area in the late1800’s. But the uniqueness of this "Swedish-Village" doesn't stop there. Kingsburg also has a strong history of agriculture that is alive and well today.

A diverse blend of fruits and vegetables are grown in Kingsburg’s rich soil and dry climate. One of the more famous products of the area is Sun Maid Raisins, whose headquarters resides in the community. Peaches, plumbs and nectarines have also been grown in the area, along with a variety of berries. These products are sold each year at the Kingsburg Farmers Market.

Gale Willems' berry table at the market.

One of these long-time market growers is Gale Willems, who also goes by “Berry Lady”. Willems and her husband Paul own a berry farm and have been a part of the market over ten years. “Here at the market we sell blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries,” says Gale. "It's becoming more and more popular for people to come to farmer's markets. They get the freshest possible product and they also get some of the lowest prices. They like to talk to the farmer to know where their product came from and know how it was grown."

Over the past seven years the market has sustained itself with a few growers and mediocre entertainment. Even though a committed few continued to attend, its popularity was steadily declining. The city had a decision to make, should they shut down the market or allow it to continue another year.

Griffin making an announcement on Thursday evening.

It was at this point a community member named Brian Griffin took it upon himself to revive the farmer’s market in an effort to bring people together and revitalize Kingsburg’s downtown community. He was convinced that all the market needed was better marketing and some sponsors willing to believe in the market’s potential. Griffin’s leadership and vision has proven to be just what the market needed. He was able to obtain sponsors: MC Solutions, Kingsburg Insurance, Kings Mortgage, Corsaro’s Pizza and G.J. Gardner Homes, who is this years premier sponsor.

Vendors sell anything from cheese, to eggs, to fruit, and more.

The opening night of this years 2012 Kingsburg Farmer’s Market arrived with a remarkable 20+ vendors and 600 people. This was a stark contrast to the year before with possibly four vendors and 50 people. Griffin plans on incorporating themes into each evening of the market this season in hopes it will aid in building community as the season continues.

Jess Chambers, Executive Director of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce, commented on the market this year, "The market is having a very good year right now. [Griffin] has got the market some great sponsorship money as well as advanced publicity and recruiting."

With a promising kick-off and consistent turn-out over the first four weeks, 2012 seems to be the year this market makes a comeback. This year promises to benefit farmers, downtown retail, and community members alike. Kingsburg looks to the future as its rich history in agriculture continues. 


Be sure to visit the market's related stories and websites:
Kingsburg Farmer's Market website: www.kingsburgfarmersmarket.com
Kingsburg Farmer's Market on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GJ-Gardner-Kingsburg-Farmers-Market/122904227792613
Berry Lady Article: http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/kingsburg_recorder/news/visit-the-berry-lady-for-local-berries/article_81861460-af5f-11e1-8d14-0019bb2963f4.html
Farmer's Market open for new season article: http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/kingsburg_recorder/news/farmer-s-market-opens-for-local-season/article_2a1fe9f4-a450-11e1-935e-001a4bcf887a.html
Looking forward to this year's market article: http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/kingsburg_recorder/lifestyle/farmer-s-market-gets-started-may/article_e85048d0-9940-11e1-bce7-0019bb2963f4.html