The Sun City West Friday Community Market is open again, now outside.
Throughout the summer months the market was held inside Briarwood Country Club and has now moved back to the parking lot of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd.
Christian Smith is the market coordinator and said this is a multiple market tied in to one event, including a farmers market, artisan craft show, local businesses, health and wellness and food festival.
“The idea is to have something for all,” he stated.
There are 70 vendors on display 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday.
Parking is free, as well as entry into the market. Vendors also give residents a chance to sample some products before purchasing.
AZ Wild West Preserves Farm & Ranch Owner Mark Bell sold jams, jellies, butters and eggs during a recent market. He visited with customers looking for a homemade option.
“This is our second year participating in the market. We do not sell in the summer months because the jam does not do well in the heat,” he stated.
Vendor Lauri Lee Stafford offers low sodium seasoning options to help combat those individuals who require a low sodium diet. She said after cooking with some of these products at home, it is difficult to enjoy a burger outside of the house without the special seasoning.
Briarwood Country Club Membership and Marketing Director Michele Malo said the indoor market happened organically with the event coordinator.
“The next thing I know they are over here measuring and asked if we would be ready June 7,” she explained.
Malo said she looked forward to Fridays and the energy is high when people head in for lunch or stop by the farmers market. She described it as being the place to be on Friday mornings. She has also heard from vendors who typically shut down for three months saying how grateful they are to have this opportunity.
Briarwood officials received a percentage of total sales from the event, but Malo said this is an opportunity to serve the community and give back to the residents.
Smith said between 800 and 1,000 visitors come through weekly
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Jennifer Jimenez can be reached at jjimenez@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @scw_independent.
I am passionate about sports and community writing and shining the light on positivity, while delivering the facts. I have been with the Independent team for five months, but in the game for 15 years. I am a proud Grand Canyon University alumni. Born and raised in Peoria, I also am blessed to have a street named after me called Jennifer Rose Court.
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