Copa Farmers Market: Your Fresh Start for the New Year!

The Maricopa Farmers Market is set to make a comeback in early 2025 after an eight-year absence. Initially reported in October, the market has now secured its location and official opening dates.

Located at Central Arizona College’s Maricopa campus, 17945 N. Regent Drive, the market is organized by local resident Kevin Keone Okuma. A soft opening will be held on January 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a grand opening on January 19 during the same hours. Following the inaugurations, the market will operate bi-weekly on Sundays.

“We are so excited,” Okuma expressed enthusiasm for the revitalization of the market, noting that vendor participation has been gradual, likely due to the holiday season.

Hailing from Hawai’i, Okuma’s motivation stems from the community’s vibrancy and his commitment to fostering a spirit of togetherness. “Maricopa is a very special place,” he remarked, emphasizing his desire to unite residents as the city continues to grow.

At present, Okuma has confirmed several vendors for the farmers market, with around thirty more expressing interest. Attractions planned for the market include a petting zoo and pet adoptions, alongside partnerships with local restaurants. “I’m partnering up with a lot of the restaurants here in Maricopa,” he noted.

His choice to collaborate with Central Arizona College comes from his existing presence there through his food truck, Island Treats Shave Ice. Describing the venue as well-situated with ample parking, he highlighted the college’s eagerness to support the market. “When I reached out to Megan Purvis, she said, ‘Oh my god, we have been looking for someone to do this with us,’” Okuma relayed.

The college has also shown interest in hosting an indoor market during the hotter months from June through September, and Okuma has secured space for this initiative. Currently, sponsors include K. Hovanian Homes and Safe Haven Security ADT, though Okuma continues to seek additional sponsorships.

Beyond vendors and shopping, the farmers market will host live entertainment, such as a Polynesian hula dance show and performances by the Maricopa High School choir. “We’re going to have the police department and the fire department, hopefully, to do some safety tips,” Okuma added, acknowledging the need for community awareness as the city expands.

Okuma is actively recruiting more performers and vendors. Interested individuals can contact him at 480-306-1958. For vendors, the introductory fee is set at $50 per booth per Sunday, a reduction from the previous $85 rate before the market’s closure in 2017. Okuma believes this pricing and the entertainment offerings will be more accessible for vendors.

As the market prepares to relaunch, he encourages patience and understanding from the community. “I don’t want people to be quick to judge and say there weren’t enough vendors or that it was so small,” Okuma urged, expressing confidence in the market’s potential for growth.