Tyler Baer & Sims Ventura

Tyler Baer & Sims Ventura

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2016) – The River District Farmers Market will open Thursday, Nov. 3 at a new location in nearby Centennial Park.

This move, from the market’s previous location under the Caloosahatchee Bridge at 2000 West First Street, will free up the more than 40 parking spots that were taken up by vendors.

“We are really excited about this change in venue because it not only frees up parking under the bridge for our customers but also allows for seating under the pavilion and gives us a fabulous back drop of the river,” said Betsy Ventura, who, along with Jean Baer, owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market each week.

The market will take place each Thursday and be open all year except for Thanksgiving Day but will open on Wednesday, Nov. 23 for a make-up market. Vendors begin setting up at 7 a.m. with everyone in place by 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

According to Ventura and Baer, there will be plenty of lunch options available including area favorite food trucks as well as fresh flowers, local fruits and vegetables, Greek olive oils, dog treats and more. Complimentary Jimmy Java’s coffee will be given to the first 100 shoppers starting at 9 a.m.

Baer’s son, Tyler, a graduate of the University of Florida, and Ventura’s daughter, Sims, will be joining the duo this season to assist in managing the markets.

In addition to the downtown Fort Myers location, Ventura and Baer also operate the Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Coconut Point, Fenway South, Lakes Park, FSW and Boca Grande (beginning Jan. 6) Farmers Markets.

They added that the goal of each of their markets is to strengthen the surrounding community by showcasing vendors who are selling produce and artisan products that are grown or produced locally. Products are packaged by owners in an environmentally friendly way, and the locations of markets are clean, safe and reflect a community atmosphere.

Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or providing live entertainment may visit www.BuyLocalLee.com.