The Davis Farmers Market has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary. The festivities began on January 17, 2026, with patrons, staff, and vendors gathering for a group photo beneath a newly designed logo, reflecting on the market’s evolution since its inception in 1976. The market operates every Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00 and additionally on Wednesdays from 15:00 to 18:00 from October to April, as well as at the UC Davis campus during the fall and spring quarters.
Founded by a group of students including Henry Esbenshade and Martin Barnes, the Davis Farmers Market is one of the first farmers markets in California. Over the decades, many founding members transitioned into farming careers, with several still present as vendors today. The market has cultivated a strong partnership with the Davis Food Co-op, which supports the farmers by purchasing unsold produce from the Saturday market, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Over the years, the market has grown significantly, starting with just three farmers and a small selection of produce. Today, it boasts 90 vendors and attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually, according to Randii MacNear, the executive director of the Davis Farmers Market Alliance. MacNear highlighted the market’s commitment to community initiatives, particularly the Farm to School program, which funds school gardens and educational opportunities.
“The Davis Farm to School program is this full circle thing where you start with the kids as soon as they enter school,” MacNear stated. “They become your change agents, they become your thinkers.” This program is complemented by efforts to assist individuals requiring nutritional support. Those with CalFresh and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can utilize their benefits at the market, receiving fruit and vegetable vouchers to purchase fresh produce.
Debra Ariola, owner of Recollections, a booth specializing in vintage and craft items, shared her plans for the anniversary celebration. “I just made a lot of watermelons, and, you know, vegetables and fruit,” she explained, emphasizing her focus on community engagement. “Our focus is on inclusion and anti-bullying,” she added, noting her partnership with the Davis Phoenix Coalition, where a portion of her sales contributes to anti-bullying projects.
Kevin Ellis, who took over his father’s business, Tom’s Bakery, after his passing, expressed his long-standing connection to the market. “I’ve known some of these people since I was a little kid,” Ellis reflected. His bakery has been part of the market for years, highlighting the deep-rooted relationships formed within the community.
Employees like Dezla Dawkins have witnessed the collaborative spirit among vendors. “Inter-market trading is really nice,” Dawkins said. “There’s a lot of community between the vendors, so we get a lot of discounts for fruits and vegetables, which we can then use in our products.”
As part of the ongoing celebrations, MacNear outlined plans for various activities throughout the year, with a significant community event scheduled for August 1, 2026. “We’re going to be doing all-year-long social media posts and messaging about the history of the market,” she said. The mid-year event will focus on the theme of a market family reunion, showcasing the stories and legacy of the market over the past five decades.
MacNear expressed her hopes for the future, emphasizing the market’s permanence in the community. “I think what people feel is that it’s not going anywhere. There’s a permanency, and so I think it makes people feel like the market is always going to be here for another 50 years,” she noted, reinforcing the market’s commitment to fostering local agriculture and community ties.
