HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.1 Farmers Market Recap
STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
File # 470-50
CITY COUNCIL
DATE:November 5, 2013
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:
Joni Pattillo, City Manager
SUBJECT:
2013 Dublin Farmers’ Market Recap; Recognition of Sponsors and Supporters
Prepared by Shari Jackman, Public Service Employee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will present Certificates of Recognition to the sponsors and supporters of the
2013 Dublin Farmers’ Market. Staff will also offer a re-cap of the 2013 season.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the Staff report and present the Certificates of
Recognition.
Submitted By Reviewed By
Economic Development Director Assistant City Manager
DESCRIPTION:
During the 2013 Dublin Farmers’ Market, several local businesses provided financial support in
the form of sponsorship of the Market. With the additional revenue of $6,000 provided by these
businesses, Staff was able to enhance the typical farmers’ market experience with a host of
activities designed to build community.
Staff wishes to thank Blue Waters Marketing and the Bay Area News Group, Complete Solar
Solutions, Connolly Station Apartments, Foothill Chiropractic, Specific Chiropractic Center, and
Waterford Dental for their monetary contributions. Staff would also like to thank the Dublin Host
Lions Club for their extraordinary volunteer efforts during the successful wine and beer tasting
events on our “First Thursdays” of every month, as well as AuburnJames Winery, Dublin
Grocery Outlet, Johnny Garlic’s Restaurant, and KKIQ Radio for their in-kind sponsorships.
ITEM NO. 3.1
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2013 Market Re-Cap
For the third year in-a-row, the City of Dublin partnered with the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market
Association (PCFMA) to provide a weekly farmers’ market for the residents of Dublin. The
market ran from April 18 through September 26.
Throughout the season, PCFMA staff noticed increased foot traffic and sales from previous
years. There was a greater consistency in producers and vendors, which kept attendance
strong throughout the year. The location of the Market, close to the playground at Emerald Glen
Park, gave the Market a true “family” feel, with a number of families flying kites, and enjoying
picnics in the park on Thursday evenings.
The theme nights showed some improvement throughout the year. The “First Thursday” events
have remained very popular, and the addition of monthly beer tastings brought a favorable
response from residents. Staff hired smaller groups than in year’s past to perform on most “First
Thursdays.” Placing this entertainment closer to the tasting area created a more lounge-like
feel, and attendees seemed to appreciate the background music
For the season’s “First Thursday” finale, Staff hired “Evolution: The Ultimate Tribute to Journey,”
which brought out a huge crowd to the Market. Unlike in previous years, visitors to the Market
at this concert event also shopped throughout the Market, and many vendors sold out of
merchandise by the end of the evening.
With additional programming, the Market’s other theme nights also showed growth this season.
On the two “Community Nights” in May, the Farmers’ Market hosted the City’s first “Dublin Idol”
competition. Carried over the course of two markets, this event was very popular among
residents and brought out many new people to the Market. KKIQ Radio’s Faith Alpher was the
emcee for both the preliminary and final rounds, and the City received great publicity from KKIQ
for to this event.
On “Dublin Cooks” nights, Staff hosted and coordinated monthly cook-offs for residents,
including a chili, ribs, salsa, Cabernet pairing, and pulled pork cook-off. The most competitive
contest seemed to be the Cabernet Cook-Off, where contestants prepared the perfect food
pairing to go with a bottle of Cabernet. Special thanks to AuburnJames Winery for providing
many bottles of their prime Cabernet to make this a successful event.
The Dublin Farmers’ Market also sponsored the first “Alameda County Mayors’ Healthy Cook-
Off Challenge,” in which Mayors and Chefs from six cities – Albany, Dublin, Fremont, Hayward,
Livermore, and Pleasanton -- competed to create the best dish, “Iron Chef”-style. This event
also generated a lot of publicity for the Market. Chef Jose Guevara from Johnny Garlic’s
teamed up with Mayor Sbranti for the competition. Dublin tied for second place in the
competition, which qualified the Mayor and Chef Jose to compete in a showdown between
Alameda County and Contra Costa County last month. Dublin’s team performed admirably, but,
in the end, the City of Concord took home the grand prize at that event. Staff is grateful for the
generous donation of groceries provided by both the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association
and Dublin’s Grocery Outlet.
The final theme night of the month was “Family Night,” which continued to generate large
attendance numbers. With added programming such as a petting zoo, a bounce house, face
paintings, and Crackers the Clown, families with young children consistently frequent these
events.
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Next season, Staff hopes to build on the strength of this year’s Market by continuing with special
events, such as the return of “Dublin Idol,” additional performances for children, and showcasing
more local performance groups. Staff will also be evaluating the placement of the Market in
conjunction with the start of construction on the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
N/A.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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