The NeighborGood Market was a success!

Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jacqueline “Jax” Cheung enjoys the NeighborGood Market with her husband Dr. Kenneth Cheung, & daughters Carissa Cheung, & Roxy Cheung

Bringing Local Businesses Together

The City of Elk Grove and Unseen Heroes (UH) did a great job of bringing local farmers, businesses, food trucks, and music together. The only thing better was the community of Elk Grove for showing up and showing out. The smiles were so big, you could “see” them through the masks.

An evening view of the NeighborGood Market

Families, friends, and the Elk Grove Tribune were all there, all in the spirit of community. If you missed it last Thursday night, don’t worry! The NeighborGood Market will be here every Thursday night from 4:00 PM through 8:00 PM, year-round at The Center at District 56, 8230 Civic Center Drive. You don’t want to miss it!

Mayoral Candidate Bobbie Singh-Allen & Emily Autenrieth & her daughter enjoy the NeighborGood Market

“This is truly a farmers market that is for the people, by the people,” said co-founder, Roshaun Davis.

Yanez Farms Was Delicious And Friendly

I would agree after experiencing the market myself. The farmers and vendors were so friendly, even offering me an extra vegetable after purchase. Thank you, Yanez Farms! I enjoyed those onions this morning on my avocado toast.

KC Flowers Is A Great Way To Brighten Your Day

KC Flowers had the most beautiful bouquets of wildflowers. The best way to make your day brighter is always with some fresh flowers. My grandbabies loved the peaches and watermelon we picked up which was sweet and full of flavor.

An Event For The Community

We enjoyed the friendliness, genuine care, good cheer, and music. To top it off, I saw some familiar faces and met Mr. Davis himself. UH is for the community and it shows. We will be back to watch it grow and prosper.

“They can’t stand behind Black Tuesday because they’re not standing behind a Black-owned business currently.”

This is a far cry from the ousting of UH by Midtown Association (MA) this past June. The contract between the two came to an abrupt end in the midst of a global pandemic where the Black community has been hit the hardest. The split came after months of performance issues; performance issues that were never clearly defined to UH. Furthermore, the Midtown Association continued hiring even after apparently bleeding money, Roshaun said in an interview with Fox40 news. Roshaun and his crew grew the Midtown Farmers Market from half a block to two blocks with years spent cultivating relationships with vendors.

Instagram posts by Midtown’s Farmers Market attempted to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Blacked-out their page on Black Out Tuesday. Blackout Tuesday, sparked in response to the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, is a collective action to protest racism and police brutality. However, the actions of Midtown Association do not support their posts.

Hope Rodriguez, Farmers Market Manager

Hope Rodriguez, the Midtown Farmer’s Market Manager was critical of the Midtown Association.

“They can’t stand behind Black Tuesday because they’re not standing behind a Black-owned business currently. You can’t post something and say you’re supportive of the current movement, but not be aware of the decision you just made to destroy a Black-owned business.”

Nevertheless, UH is looking ahead. Elk Grove will benefit from the team’s work ethic, ability to build lasting partnerships, and dedication to community spirit.

Thoughts From The Community

When asked what she liked most about the market, Rosalyn Harris said, “Truthfully, just seeing the diversity in vendors and residents.” Rosalyn and her family will be back every week! Like me, she supported several booths, from zucchini to tote bags to donuts.

More NeighborGood Love

“It was a fun – albeit hot – family outing to support local and small businesses,” said Alani Cridge Jackson, a community member. Her family “tried new foods, found new favorites, and look forward to going back next week!” Alani would love to see more vendors and more covered seating but had an overall great experience. “The kids appreciated the delicious and refreshing ice pops from Wheel Lemonade and sitting in the over-sized lawn chairs. And the live music was a bonus,” she said.