Phoestivus returns to downtown Phoenix this month, complete with an exclusive ale, an eclectic mix of food vendors and hipster Santa ready to find out all about your foodie wish list. The popular Christmas market was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, but organizers expect a robust comeback on Wednesday and Thursday, December 15 and 16 this year. “We’re excited to be back,” said Tanya Chakravarty, Executive Director of Community Food Connections, a nonprofit that is committed to strengthening the local food system. “This is our largest fundraiser and it helps us raise approximately $ 30,000 for our community work.” First held in 2005, the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market is one of the group’s key initiatives. More than 150 small businesses are participating in this year’s event, which takes place on both days from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 721 North Central Avenue. The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market is currently held there on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Related Stories I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of the New Times clear. “Phoestivus is a great way to support local farmers and companies,” says Chakravarty about Christmas, based on the example of the renowned German Christmas markets. The annual tradition began in 2009 after Community Food Connections’ Ken Clark was inspired by an episode of the 1990s sitcom Seinfeld. Characters on the show celebrated Festivus, a holiday rooted in one of the author’s own family traditions, with quirky activities like the Airing of Grievances and the performance of Feats of Strength. click to enlarge Phoenix Beer Co. has created an exclusive Phoestivus brew. Phoestivus Of course, these activities are part of Phoestivus, where organizers have added their own traditions, like hipster Santa ditching the red velvet suit and long gray beard and opting for more trendy clothes instead. The event includes live music and other entertainment. Entry is free, but donations to the Community Food Connections will be accepted at the entry points. It is helpful to do a little research on the layout of the festival before leaving. It happens between Central Avenue and First Street, from McKinley to Pierce Street. Both the northeast and southeast entrances are off First Street, which will be converted into Dogtopia Lane for the duration of the event. There is an information booth and merchandise near both entrances where you can donate if you want to support the work of Community Food Connections. Look for the Phoestivus Pole near the southeast entrance and for Pheats of Strength by the northeast entrance. Both the Airing of Grievances and Hipster Santa are located along Pierce Street. Everything else happens within a four-square grid, in which the dining area with stage, food trucks, vendors and other highlights can be easily found. The lineup includes over a dozen food trucks with offers such as barbecue, pretzels, tacos, sushi and more. More than 65 food and beverage sellers offer everything from chocolate to chickpeas. This includes coffee, tea, beer, cocktails and soft drinks. Phoenix Beer Co. brewed the exclusive Phoestivus beer, and you also have the option to sample seasonal selections from Greenhouse Brewing, Wild Tonic, and Wren House. Other providers specialize in handicrafts, clothing and accessories, health and wellness, housewares, literature and paper goods as well as pet supplies and delicacies. “The market has really grown and evolved over the years,” says Chakravarty. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and really make a difference together.”
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