There are a few farmers’ markets around the valley, but Jozh Watson from Phoenix knew something was missing. For years he had whirled around the idea of a vegan farmers market downtown, but it wasn’t until his friend Kell Duncan, the owner of the Churchill, offered a small parking lot off First Street and Central Avenue on Garfield Street, that things started to click . “Kell was able to set up a room for me,” says Watson. “We only used the parking lot up the street.” Watson’s first vegan night market in April had 11 vendors. A second night market was held in May before taking a break for the summer. The market returned in September with more room for sellers, but the weather wasn’t perfect, says Watson. “It was still hot outside,” says Watson of the September market. “Very humid. We still got this heat. Lots of salespeople made it and we still had a good turnout.” I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of the New Times free. At next month’s event on October 9, the weather was more cooperative for an outdoor market, Watson says. The October effort attracted 43 vendors to squeeze Garfield Street between First Street and Central Avenues and the adjacent alley. According to Watson, sellers were better prepared for the October audience. “We sold out last month,” says Tia Ferguson, owner of Teacup’s Treats. “It was so busy.” Click to enlarge Plant-based street tacos from Tacos Veganos. Kevin Burton “A lot [of vendors] triples their offer [this month]just so they could hold out until 10pm, because that’s when the market ends, “says Watson.” Some of them were sold out by 9pm [at September’s market]. And some sold out at 7, but still made food by 10. ”Watson recommends staying late, adding that“ things get better when the sun goes down. ”“ It gets full later, ”he and her say People tend to come out more. Passers-by are curious. It’s a pretty good vibe. ”The next night market is November 13th and will be a fall market theme, Watson says.The market will last monthly through May before taking a summer break and resuming in September 2022, Watson says. “Next year we’re thinking about expanding across the street, more space for salespeople and space for beverage service.
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