Monthly market at Harvey House debuts
BARSTOW • Barstow residents will soon be able to able to buy local handmade goods and produce in the shadow of the landmark Harvey House.
Barstow has been without a farmers’ market for some time, and the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce aims to bring farmers who sell at the Victorville market to Barstow. They hope that local crafters will show up as well. The Harvey House market will make its debut Saturday at 9 a.m.
Cory Baker, customer service representative for the chamber, said that the chamber hosted a similar market downtown on Main Street five to six years ago and the time had come for another.
“It was a group idea, (The chamber) thought ‘what better place than the Harvey House?’ It’s a beautiful building,” Baker said.
The city-owned Harvey House was once part of a chain of railway hotels founded by entrepreneur Fred Harvey during the heyday of rail travel. The landmark building is now home to the Route 66 Museum, the chamber of commerce, and the Western America Railroad Museum.
Baker said that this month’s market will consist mostly of crafts and prepared-food vendors. Once fruits and vegetables come into season, he said that he hopes to see local farmers selling their produce. The bazaar-style market aims to attract vendors who sell handmade or new items, and produce. This event will not be a flea market or rummage sale.
Baker said that Barstow is currently without a farmer’s market, and the closest market is over 30 miles away in Victorville. Some of the current vendors in Victorville are also interested in showing up at future Barstow Harvey House markets, Baker said.
The markets will be held on the third Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spaces measure 10’ by 10’ and are available at $20 for chamber members and $30 for non-members. Spaces with electricity are $5 extra. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. More information including sign-up forms can be found at www.barstowchamber.com.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or adome@desertdispatch.com
