CSUN’s Associated Students (AS) hosted the first weekly Farmers Market of this semester in Matador Square, next to the University Student Union (USU). The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, offering tables from various AS departments, hot food vendors, jewelry, produce and collectibles, including Sonny Angels and Labubus.
AS Program Manager James Forrester works alongside a third-party company called Raw Inspiration to connect with vendors. He also partners with CSUN Parking Services, the Matador Involvement Center and other campus departments to ensure smooth operations for these weekly events.
Each week will have different activities available at the markets. Near Halloween, Forrester said the market will have a pumpkin fest event where students can grab free pumpkins, among other programs and activities.
“It’s really just an opportunity for students to engage with some local small vendors and really just an opportunity for them to find a place on campus to relax, hang out, eat some food,” Forrester said.
Throughout Matador Square, tables were covered with checkered tablecloths and red hammocks for students to unwind between classes.
CSUN juniors Kevin Ramirez and Brianna Torres visited the farmers market for the first time, sitting in a hammock before their next classes began.
“It’s cool,” Torres said. “It’s nice to see something different.”
AS tables lined the outer edge of Matador Square, offering free stickers and goodies to introduce students to the offerings of AS. Student Senators Elizabeth Abrams and Kimberly Basilio for the College of Humanities tabled with the shared goal of community outreach.
“Tabling gives me a chance to connect with students,” Basilio said. “I used to be very introverted, so I try to get other people to branch out.”
The Farmers Market is expected to run weekly from Tuesday, Sept. 9 to Tuesday, Dec. 3, between Matador Square and the USU.
