Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market: The Heart of Downtown, The Community and The Week

If you stroll along Higuera Street on any given Thursday night in Downtown San Luis Obispo, you will see it; you will feel it and you can’t help but to fall in love with our Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market.  Whether your heart gravitates to the fresh produce or the old fashioned BBQ or the lively entertainment, it’s all part of the “experience” of the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market.
For some that “experience” can mean something even bigger.  Just ask City of San Luis Obispo Fire Chief Garret Olson.  When he was offered his position with the City three years ago, he and his wife, Susan, were uncertain about moving here.  So before making the decision, they came to visit and stumbled upon our Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market.  He recalls, “Susan and I turned the corner at Morro & Higuera at about 7 PM on Thursday, July 26, 2012. Susan started pumping my hand like she was milking a cow. When our eyes met she said, ‘we need to figure out how to make this work. This is amazing.’ The Market was our tipping point.” Garret and Susan saw their future in San Luis Obispo as they walked down the five blocks of Higuera Street.
Locals can attest to their love affair with the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market.  It’s a weekly gathering spot for them to connect with friends, pick up fresh produce and enjoy their favorite eats.  However, to understand its draw, you have to look past these obvious benefits.  It’s a physical embodiment of the hard work and pride of our community.  It also provides the perfect time for community members, city leaders, business owners and even tourists to connect with the town and support one another. It is an experience where genuine friendships are made and happiness prevails.  It’s a chance to really show off our culture and everything that SLO has to offer.  Sandi Sigurdson, Executive Director for Leadership of San Luis Obispo, loves to bring visitors to Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market because she feels it provides the complete SLO experience all in one place.  She says, “Here’s our town all on one street, all on one night, every Thursday night of the year.”
For over 30 years, Thursday nights from 6-9 PM Higuera Street springs to life with over 100 local vendors selling produce, merchandise, as well as a varied assortment of savory meals and free live entertainment.  It’s what makes our Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market the HEART of Downtown, the community and the week!  And you know what they say, “Home is where the heart is.” Discover. Local. Flavor.