Tuesday Farmers Market management team steps down

The Tuesday Farmers Night Market, done for 2019, will open next spring under new management.

The Valley of the Moon Certified Farmers Market (VOMCFM), the nonprofit that has managed the event for nine years, will not seek to extend its contract with the City of Sonoma.

“It has been a good run for our organization, and we wanted to leave on a high note after a very successful season,” said Bill Dardon, board president of the VOMCFM.

“For nine years, the VOMCFM has operated as a small, lean non-profit,” Dardon said. “Based on some recent staffing changes and further financial concerns tied to the growth of the market, we made the difficult decision to allow another organization to follow in our footsteps.”

At the final market of the season, on September 24, 2019, members of the Sonoma City Council presented the VOMCFM Board members, along with Market Manager Chris Welch and Executive Administrator Emily Fitzpatrick, with commemorative cow bells, recognizing Dardon’s tradition of opening and closing each market with the ringing of a cow bell.

“The VOMCFM has been a valued partner working closely with the City to address the expansion and popularity of the market,” said Mayor Amy Harrington. “They are leaving the City of Sonoma and the market in a great position, and the City is committed to ensuring that the Tuesday Night Market is up and running by next May in all its glory.”

In a statement, City staff said it will work closely with VOMCFM to ensure there is a smooth transition to new management, “and will be exploring market management options for a new organization to manage the Tuesday Night Market in 2020. More information will be brought forward by the City Council in the coming months.”