Join the Aptos Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20, for a joyful community celebration marking the 50th Anniversary of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets.

For five decades, the markets have brought together local farmers, food artisans, chefs, and neighbors through a shared love of fresh food, sustainable agriculture, and community connection. What began in 1976 as a modest local market has grown into one of the most respected farmers market organizations in California — and a beloved weekly tradition for generations of Central Coast families.

To celebrate this milestone, market visitors are invited to enjoy birthday cake shared with the community and enter a special raffle drawing for a beautifully curated market basket filled with market favorites.

What to Expect:

• Birthday cake shared with market customers
• Giveaway of reusable produce bag sets to first 150 people to wish us happy birthday!
• Raffle drawing for a seasonal market basket
• A festive celebration with music honoring 50 years of local agriculture and community
• Opportunities to meet the farmers, food artisans, and vendors who make the markets so special
• Fresh seasonal produce, flowers, artisan foods, seafood, baked goods, cheeses, and more from local vendors

A Legacy of Community and Stewardship
Today, the family of Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets includes four vibrant markets in Aptos, Carmel, and Monterey, each reflecting the unique character of its community. Two of the markets operate year-round, offering dependable gathering places where fresh food, conversation, and connection are always in season.

With more than 90 dedicated vendors, the organization continues to support small family farms while strengthening regional food systems across the Central Coast.

Much of this success reflects the longtime leadership of Executive Director Catherine Barr, whose dedication and vision have guided the organization since 1993. Her work preserving access for small farmers and championing certified farmers markets has helped shape MBCFM into a regional leader in sustainable local food systems.

Founded in 1976, the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets is the oldest and largest farmers market organization on California’s Central Coast. In recent years, MBCFM has been recognized among the best farmers market organizations in California and ranked second in the United States by the American Farmland Trust — an achievement made possible by the farmers, vendors, staff, volunteers, and loyal market communities who continue to support the markets year after year.