The Riverside Downtown Farmers Market offers community members an authentic, welcoming environment. With a variety of stands featuring fresh produce, plants, tea and more, the market provides a unique and enriching experience—showcasing the skills and hard work of local farmers and small businesses.
Local vendors expressed how much these events supported their businesses and strengthened their connection with the community.
Autumn Wallace of Mythic Mushrooms offered a range of fresh mushrooms, mushroom powder and compost for gardening. The farmers market helped Wallace grow her business by providing the opportunity to interact with customers face to face.
“It’s just awesome to meet people and have this place in the community where we get to sell mushrooms,” Wallace said.
She described the market as a great opportunity to support local farms and businesses. With a wide selection of health-conscious products and the ability to buy directly from farmers, customers often found better produce than what they’d see at a grocery store.
“I just really love that aspect of connecting to the community,” Wallace said.
Wallace appreciated supporting local vendors, knowing the value of personal labor, and encouraged young people to invest in their nutritional health.
Many stands at the farmers market promoted wellness through tea, honey, fresh plants and more. Families and individuals enjoy the vibrant atmosphere—sharing smiles, listening to live music and supporting local farmers. The event serves as a valuable space for both vendors and community members.
Maggie Cervantes of Rooted in Love Plant Shop ran her business entirely through the farmers market, offering a variety of colorful houseplants, both large and small. She relied on community support to sustain her shop.
“I love the farmers market. It means so much to my family and me,” Cervantes said.
She shared that the market allowed her to meet people of all ages—reaching individuals she wouldn’t otherwise connect with through a traditional store or online shop.
“I think it’s extraordinary when you know where your food comes from. I think it’s great to support local farmers and businesses,” Cervantes said.
The farmers market features stands where local growers sold their crops and produce—large or small—enhancing interaction among farmers, families and community members.
Abburraheem Yameen of Earth Made Green LLC showcased a vibrant stand filled with microgreens, including onions, radishes, sunflowers and more. These microgreens could be added to dishes, sautéed, garnished or turned into tea. Yameen emphasized that farmers markets served as a primary marketing source for his business.
“Microgreens, the babies of the vegetables at this stage, have anywhere between 5 and 40 times the nutrients than the full-grown vegetables—everything is inside these first couple of leaves,” Yameen said.
He shared samples and educated visitors on the benefits and versatility of microgreens.
“Cook your meals using fresh produce and vegetables as much as you can, especially in today’s time with all the ultra-processed food,” Yameen said.
Farmers markets create an impactful experience where community members come together to support local farmers and small businesses. These events encourage people to learn more about where their food came from and to connect directly with the growers.
Smiles filled the market as people explored stands offering fresh microgreens, tea, mushrooms, houseplants, honey and more. The market provided valuable opportunities to learn from and support local growers, prioritize healthy eating and foster deeper community connections.
If you have the opportunity, visit your local farmers market to explore the wide range of fresh products and produce offered by members of your community—strengthening relationships and supporting local businesses in the process.
