Music and festivity filled the air at the Anaheim Farmers Market during their annual Valentine's Day event, "Cupid's Row," held on Thursday afternoon.

Established in 2022, this cherished event takes place each year on Center Street Promenade, offering a platform for small businesses and vendors to connect with the community.

"Cupid's Row" embraces the theme of love, featuring local artisans who present handcrafted products and thoughtful gifts perfect for Valentine's Day.

"We aim to infuse fun themes into our farmers market to attract new visitors and enhance the experience with unique decorations and activities," said Sierra Serda, the events manager of the farmers market.

The event showcased a diverse array of handmade products, food, and produce, emphasizing the talents of small businesses. Vendors interested in participating can sign up through the market's website.

"Often, we publish our annual event calendar, and vendors reach out to join specific events," explained Julia Santana, the event and creative coordinator. "If we're seeking a particular type of vendor, we actively search on social media or other platforms to find them."

Small business owners appreciate the exposure provided by "Cupid's Row" and the farmers market. Dana Martin, owner of Crown Hustle, shared her enthusiasm: "This is my first time at the farmers market. I think it's a fantastic opportunity for small business owners to showcase our goods."

Events like this attract new visitors to the market, offering vendors increased exposure. Event Assistant George Menjivar noted, "This event has definitely seen a higher turnout compared to a regular farmers market."

In addition to highlighting small businesses, the farmers market offers a variety of produce for purchase. The market accepts EBT as a form of payment through the "Market Match" program.

Market Match, part of the CalFresh EBT program, allows shoppers to use their EBT cards at the farmers market. Customers can visit the information booth to withdraw a certain amount from their EBT card to use at the market.

The withdrawn amount is provided in EBT tokens, usable across various booths. With Market Match, individuals can receive up to $15 worth of free produce, totaling up to $720 annually.

"It's essentially a grant from the state that helps us match people's benefits, enabling them to obtain free fruits and vegetables through these market match vouchers," Santana explained.

The Anaheim Farmers Market positions itself as more than just a marketplace; it serves as a vibrant community hub. The market operates every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For those interested in exploring more local events, the Anaheim Packing District hosts various markets throughout the year, such as the Makers Hive Market and the Witches Brew Night Market, providing additional opportunities to support local businesses and artisans.

As Anaheim continues to grow, developments like the upcoming OCVIBE entertainment district are set to further enhance the city's appeal, offering new venues and experiences for residents and visitors alike.