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Cedar Hill farmers market draws bigger crowds, stretches vendor capacity in 2025
Summary
Organizers told the City Council that the 2025 Cedar Hill Farmers Market saw significant growth — opening-day attendance of 2,500, an average of 1,500 visitors per market and more than 75 vendors — while expanding SNAP and WIC participation and youth booths. Councilors praised the market and staff will continue planning for 2026.
The Cedar Hill Farmers Market saw its largest season yet in 2025, organizers told the City Council at a Nov. 11 briefing, reporting an opening-day crowd of 2,500 and an average of about 1,500 visitors per market.
Vanessa, a representative of the Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce, said the market grew from roughly 300 visitors per market in 2023 to the higher 2025 averages and that vendor participation expanded to more than 75 vendors with over 100 applications. “Opening day, we saw 2,500 visitors downtown,” Vanessa said, citing the move to a downtown location and increased city promotion as drivers of the surge.
Why it matters: Chamber and city officials said the market’s growth is boosting foot traffic for downtown restaurants and retailers and expanding food access through federal nutrition programs. Vanessa said the market has accepted SNAP benefits for two years, gained certification for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and is aiming to become a voucher center to broaden access.
Details: Organizers reported that 10 booths were designated as youth booths for entrepreneurs under 12 and that vendor categories were capped to promote diversity of products. Seasonal vendors pay a $150 pass for the whole season or a $35 single-week fee; seasonal vendors typically keep the same spots while daily vendors rotate from a waiting list. The market runs May through October on the second and fourth Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., which organizers said avoids the hottest afternoon hours.
Partnerships and outreach: Vanessa credited coordination with city staff, Parks and Recreation, the communications team and sponsors, citing Methodist Hospital among sponsors who staffed booths. The market also partnered with nonprofits and local groups — including Cedar Hill ISD volunteers, the American Legion and Agape Safe Haven — and relied on more than 50 volunteers over the season. The Chamber reported receiving economic-impact data from Placer to guide future planning.
Council response and next steps: Council members applauded the market’s success and discussed whether expanding into additional streets will be needed to accommodate demand. Council member Hayden asked about fees and seasonal versus single-week signups; Vanessa outlined the fee structure and vendor rotation. No formal council votes or policy decisions on market funding or street closures were taken at the briefing; staff and Chamber representatives said they will continue planning conversations for the 2026 season.
Meeting close: The mayor entertained a motion to adjourn; a motion and a second were made and the council adjourned. The transcript does not specify who moved or seconded the adjournment or provide a clear vote tally.
