Say “Hello” to Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market’s new Market Manager Chantal Peterson!
Chantal is a local. She grew up in Morro Bay and is now residing just a short jog from Cerro San Luis Obispo. She is a Cal Poly alumna and managed the Ventana Grill and Custom House’s event department for the past four years.
She is excited to be working with the Downtown Association; for years she’s wanted to get more involved with the SLO community. Meeting all the vendors, spending time with the local community, and interacting with the public at The Market every Thursday makes her feel like she has joined the “ASB club of SLO.”
Chantal has been the Market Manager for about a month and while settling into her new role has been busy, she says it’s been far more rewarding. Chantal explains, “I ask Kristin so many questions every day but the patience of her and everyone in the office has made my transition easy!” She adds, “Time in the office is great but my favorite aspect of being the Market Manager is being able to see and interact with all the different people who come each week to the event– both as attendees and vendors.”
Chantal also feels, “One of the best things about The Market is how it grows and changes so fast.” She would like to continue to find new ways to get people involved. Even in her first month, she already has exciting plans to grow and improve both The Market and her position. Chantal has been busy discussing and brainstorming innovative ideas to draw in new groups of people and trying to find ways to make the processes easier for vendors, as well as make The Market itself more accessible to the community and visitors.
When asked about the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market Vision Plan, she replied, “It’s great because it inspires many ideas on growth and change. The Market doesn’t stay stagnant and The Vision Plan definitely reflects that. I really like the idea of creating a beer and wine garden because it would be wonderful to showcase all the local wines from the wineries in the area.” In regards to her own vision, she mentioned a bi-monthly craft show, or even a carnival! Nothing is set in stone but it’s nice to hear some fresh and new ideas for our beloved Market.
Before those new ideas become reality, Chantal says the current additions like STEAM Alley is fantastic because its interactive stations allow a greater variety of people to get involved. Having stations for both adults and children make it a special event. She hopes that more vendors will get on board so they can implement even more unique stations for The Market’s patrons. She also thinks the Fresh Picked Concert Series is really neat. Featuring different bands brings the community together; and that’s what The Market is all about- bringing people together.