FULLERTON : New Market Gets Mixed Reviews

Can there be too much of a good thing? When it comes to the city’s newest farmers market, it depends on who’s doing the asking.

As the Thursday night market in the heart of downtown Fullerton celebrates its three-month anniversary this week, its managers are flush with success. The fledgling enterprise, which attracts about 25 farmers a week, turns a profit, said co-manager Kae Thomas.

Thomas also manages a farmers market that has met almost every Wednesday morning for the last 11 years. “The Thursday night market was specifically (designed) to serve those who can’t come in the daytime,” she said.

And therein lies the rub.

Officials of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce are quick to point out that there are established supermarkets and smaller grocery stores in the city where consumers can buy produce almost every day of the week. And they wonder if Fullerton residents seeking low-cost fruit and vegetables are changing their shopping habits to the detriment of traditional markets.

“Obviously people were buying these products somewhere else before (the farmers market) was established,” said Frank Reid, the chamber’s vice president. “I’m concerned about it.”

Reid says that at least two chamber members have questioned the existence of a second farmers market, staffed mainly by farmers who do not live or farm in the city, but he declined to identify the complaining merchants.

But Thomas pooh-poohs Reid’s worries.

“We aren’t near any fruit stands and we aren’t near any markets,” Thomas said. “We only sell California-grown fruits and they have to be in season. . . . It’s hard to believe we impact anyone.”

Adds Ann Mottola, special events administrator for Fullerton: “I think there is a different kind of produce at the market. The person who grew it can tell you what’s in it and if chemicals were used. At the supermarket, you don’t know where it came from.”

Farmers at the market agreed that they can provide a more personal service than traditional markets.

“They ask how we prepare the produce,” said Bud Hirayama, an Anaheim resident who farms in Riverside County. “People do have questions.”

Reid said he has not yet brought his concerns to the city government, saying he would like to study the market further.

“At this point, I guess we are still undecided whether it will truly benefit community spirit or if it goes into direct competition with established businesses that pay taxes and have business licenses here in the community,” he said.

Hard data on the issue is hard to come by. No one is keeping track of attendance or officially surveying customers.

The Fullerton market also features numerous craftspeople who pay a $35 fee per week to peddle their wares at the market.

“They have really fantastic jewelry,” said Fullerton resident Ruth Knouse. She added that she attends the market every week to purchase crafts and vegetables, but doesn’t think her attendance has changed her supermarket purchasing habits.

But Marilyn Kitsman, a Fullerton resident who recently made her first visit to the market, said she plans to buy more produce there in the future.

“The prices are right,” Kitsman said. “I’m on Weight Watchers, and it’s a good place to get fruits and vegetables.”