A series of open air markets and community events across the West Valley this weekend will bring together local vendors, artists and residents, with offerings ranging from fresh produce to handmade goods.
According to the National Weather Service, breezy and cloudy conditions are expected across the West Valley this weekend, with a high near 87 degrees Saturday and 83 degrees Sunday, which could make for favorable conditions at the outdoor events.
The Goodyear Night Market will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear. The event will feature artisan and local vendors offering handmade goods and cultural items, along with food trucks and mobile food vendors. Organizers say the market is designed to highlight culture, creativity and community.
The Community Affair Farmers Market is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Litchfield Square Park in Litchfield Park. Vendors are expected to offer fresh produce, eggs, baked goods and specialty items, along with services and activities such as pet care, face painting, massages and lawn games.
The Desert West Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road in Avondale. The weekly market is expected to include more than 150 vendors, live music, food trucks and activities for a range of ages.
The farmers market at Goodyear Ballpark is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Organizers say the event will feature local farms, prepared foods, artisan goods and family-friendly programming, along with food trucks and entertainment.
For small business owners, such events can provide opportunities to connect directly with customers. Lorena González, who sells handmade soaps sourced from her family’s workshop in Mexico, said community gatherings help expand visibility.
“It’s fabulous — the music, the dancing, everything,” González said. “It reminds me of home. People from everywhere come to see our products.”
Artists also benefit from in-person interaction, according to Scott Palmer of Copper Phoenix Studio.
“For me, it’s direct access to the customer,” Palmer said. “In galleries, I don’t get to meet the people buying my work.”
Most events are free and open to the public.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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