ENCINITAS — The Cardiff Farmers Market will celebrate its second anniversary on March 8 with a special event at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo Campus.
The event will feature free screen-printed anniversary designs, hands-on STEM activities, live music, and more.
Since its launch in 2023, the weekly certified farmers market, hosted by the Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association, has grown significantly.
The market supports local farmers, artisans, and small businesses while becoming a gathering place for residents across Encinitas, Cardiff, Olivenhain, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe.
“I would encourage everybody to come to the market to be supportive of our local community, our vendors, our farmers, everyone from the area,” said Alison Wielechowski, executive director of Cardiff 101 Mainstreet. “We really try to involve the community, and we do a lot of additional things at our farmers market that not all farmers markets do.”
The market has expanded its vendor offerings over the past year, with a one-third increase in certified farmers, vendors, and visitors. It has also introduced Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), reinforcing its commitment to providing equitable access to fresh, local food.
The market’s focus on local businesses and community engagement has set it apart. Many vendors are Encinitas and Cardiff residents, including a recent San Dieguito Academy graduate now studying at MiraCosta College, who sells homemade protein balls, and a mother of four who sells granola named after her daughter. The market also provides opportunities for high school students to gain work experience with part-time jobs at vendor stalls.
“We like to say that we are kind of like a micro-community within a community,” Wielechowski said. “A lot of our vendors are hyper local community members that might have different jobs throughout the week, but during their weekend time, or this is their side thing, they have the opportunity to sell and be a part of our community.”
Farmers from across San Diego County also participate, including MP Family Farms, Rodney Kawano Farms, Hidden Farms, Jacy’s Organics, and Santiago’s. The market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, almonds, meats, eggs, and specialty products, with vendors known for their personal approach.
To commemorate two years of operation, the March 8 celebration will feature interactive activities, sustainable initiatives, and family-friendly entertainment:
- Free Custom Anniversary Print: Visitors can bring a light-colored shirt, long sleeve, or sweatshirt to receive a free screen-printed design of the market’s anniversary logo.
- Curiosity Cube—Hands-On STEM Fun: This interactive science and engineering exhibit will provide hands-on learning opportunities for children.
- Rock Painting with Marci: Attendees of all ages can participate in a rock-painting activity.
- Live Music: Local musicians will perform throughout the event.
- The Birthday Game: Visitors can enter their birth month and date at the market’s booth for a chance to win a special market-themed prize.
The market has also developed strong partnerships with MiraCosta College, which provides parking space for the event and has collaborated on community service projects and outreach programs.
“The market fits nicely within our community of keeping money within Encinitas,” Wielechowski said. “It was wanted and asked for, and we were able to provide it.”
