The Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, which operates every Saturday and Sunday on the Ventura College campus, is looking to expand the number of Saturday produce and pre-packaged food vendors. The Marketplace attracts between 2,000 and 5,000 visitors each weekend.
“The Marketplace sells all types of fruits and vegetables,” says Esmeralda Juarez, Marketplace supervisor. “Some vendors grow their own produce.The Marketplace is so popular because prices are low and the quality is high,” says Juarez. “It’s an ideal place to shop for families on a limited income and for people who seeking unique items at bargain prices.”
The Marketplace has 237 vendor spaces on Saturday and 325 on Sunday. In addition to produce and pre-packaged food, the Marketplace sells household products, appliances, tools, plants, arts/crafts, antiques/collectibles, toys, shoes, jewelry/accessories, cosmetics and imported and local bargains.
For over three decades, the Marketplace has hosted thousands of vendors and patrons every weekend. The Marketplace provides a link between Ventura College and the community. Vendors pay a modest fee to rent space. All county non-profit organizations can rent one or more free vendor spaces on Saturdays to set up an information booth or to use the space to sell goods for fundraising purposes. Marketplace proceeds pay for 50 percent of the VC Foundation’s budget, including 60 percent of the VC Promise free tuition program and 75 percent of the textbook lending program.
Marketplace hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission and general parking are free (premium parking is $1 on Saturdays and $5 on Sundays). For more Marketplace and vendor information, go to www.vcgiving.org, and click on the “Marketplace” tab or call 805-289-6062.
