Old Town Farmers Market Move – A Success!

Scottsdale’s treasured Old Town Farmers Market has a vibrant new home at City Hall – and the results are better than anyone expected! The expanded site now offers seating, shade from trees and solar canopies, and more space for vendors and families.

On opening day Oct. 3, the market drew an estimated 2,700 visitors—about 1,000 more than opening day last year. Incredible! More than 100 vendors participated; some sold out early and others posted record sales. Market managers called it a tremendous success.

And yet, you may remember the predictions of disaster. Some insisted moving the market would displace the shoppers, leave vendors desolate and destroy the local farmers market community. Thousands of dollars in advertising (later found in violation of campaign finance laws) amplified those scare claims. Despite these unfortunate tactics, we remained firm in our resolve to put Scottsdale first.

Your Council majority—Councilman Graham, Councilwoman Littlefield, Councilman Kwasman, and I—were the only Councilmembers who consistently stood with residents, merchants, city staff, and the vendors through these highly publicized votes.

Whether it’s deep-pocketed apartment developers or dark-money special interests, you deserve a City Council that sees through the rhetoric to the heart of Scottsdale and has the vision to take tough votes and stand firm for you.

We are delighted with the Farmers Market success. Our work to put residents first allowed for this expansion and we are looking forward to many years of its growth and success!

Let’s keep putting residents first by electing Michelle Ugenti-Rita — who has taken as many tough votes for Scottsdale as anyone — and Councilman Barry Graham.