Freshness is in fashion as Otay Ranch Town Center celebrats the launch of their new farmers market

Date Added: June 8, 2008

Over 200 baskets of cherries were given out at the grand opening of the Otay Ranch Town Center Farmers Market. If you want to see more photos of the event see our online gallery here. Photo: Kurt Bunch

On May 13, Otay Ranch Town Center kicked-off cherry-picking season with the grand opening of the Otay Ranch Certified Farmer’s Market. The Farmers’ Market will operate all year on Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM down the shopping center’s Main Street. Over 3,000 shoppers enjoyed the celebrations which featured a ribbon cutting ceremony with local city officials, including Chula Vista Mayor, Cheryl Cox. In addition, shoppers enjoyed cooking demonstrations, and local entertainment. Over 200 baskets of free cherries were given away to anxious shoppers in less than ten minutes.

All parties involved agreed that the Farmer’s Market is a homerun for the Otay community. Tina Nunez-Medina, Sr. Marketing Manager for Otay Ranch Town Center reported that the large crowd caught some vendors by surprise. "The Sambussa and Carne Asada vendors sold out an hour before the event was over." Cherries and yellow squash were in high demand and the fresh seafood almost ran out.

"We hope the Farmer’s Market becomes a Tuesday night tradition within the community," said Tim Colby, Sr. General Manager for Otay Ranch Town Center.

According to organizers the market will feature fresh, locally grown seasonal produce, fresh flowers, dried nuts and fruits. The certified market will also feature bread and pastries and market staples such as cheese and olives. Shoppers will also find prepared foods such as crepes and traditional Mexican, African fare. A hand-crafted item section along with activities for children will be main stays for the market.