Editor's note: This article originally appeared in Sun Life Magazine, an Independent Newsmedia publication.
Celebrating its second anniversary this spring, the Goodyear First Friday gathering is drawing a crowd.
Residents by the hundreds checked out the scene in February, and with just one chance per month it’s tough to see it all – or to eat your fill – in one night.
Filling up the empty grass lots adjacent to Goodyear Ballpark, First Friday draws more than 30 vendors to its international food truck court; a dessert lane dedicated to almost 20 vendors selling sweets and treats; and a local market 50 vendors strong offering everything from artwork to candles.
Furry friends are also represented with a petting zoo, on-site adoption drives through West Valley Animal Rescue, and a pet agility course.
Going from 5 to 10 p.m., Goodyear First Friday won’t host an event in March due to spring training but will return on April 3. Admission is free, and parking is $5.
When you’re not planning your First Friday visits, here’s a look at West Valley farmers markets:
Arrowhead Farmers Market
At its new Glendale location at Dream City Church, 21000 N. 75th Ave., the market formerly held at Arrowhead Mall is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday year-round, although hours will change in May (8-11 a.m.) when the warmer weather rolls in.
Waddell Farmers Market
Plan a visit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday at Canyon View High School, 6024 N. Perryville Road. Although April will be the last month until it comes around again in October after a summer hiatus.
Goodyear-Estrella Market
The Goodyear-Estrella market has you covered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Wednesday in the Estrella Clubhouse lot, 17665 W. Elliot Road. This month the market falls on March 11 and March 25.
Sun City Festival Farmers Market
Head to the Saguaro Recreation Center, 26275 W. Morrow Drive, in Buckeye, every other Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April. This month the market will be open March 18.
Desert West Market
Look for the Desert West Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, in Avondale.
Let's Toast offers gourmet Korean BBQ sandwiches as seen at First Friday in Goodyear on Feb. 6.
(Sun Life Magazine/Steve Stockmar)
Red Dragon Asian Food offers everything from spring rolls to steamed dumplings to potstickers and more as seen at First Friday in Goodyear on Feb. 6.
(Sun Life Magazine/Steve Stockmar)
MPC Wood Fired Pizza is a regular at First Friday in Goodyear as they were on Feb. 6.
(Sun Life Magazine/Steve Stockmar)
West Valley Animal Rescue hosts adoptions at First Friday in Goodyear on Feb. 6.
(Sun Life Magazine/Steve Stockmar)
Steve Stockmar News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment
YourValley.net
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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