The weekly farmer's market in San Pedro Square is returning to Downtown starting today. It takes place on San Pedro Street right between the parking structure and restaurant row. The market runs from 10am to 2pm every Friday except for July 1st.Free two-hour parking validations are available at the market info table. Also available is a $1 coupon to any vendor if you take public transit and show your VTA pass. More details below: Downtown San Jose Farmer's Market from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo SAN JOSE – The Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens for its 24th season on May 6 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.The market offers more than fresh-picked fruits and vegetables direct from California growers. Opening day, for example, features live music and Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) chef demonstrations and recipe tastes.Besides fresh fruits and veggies, the Downtown Farmers’ Market offers artisan booths for unique gifts, cut flowers, and gourmet foods, such as fresh and smoked fish, olives, breads and Kettle Korn.Each week, the market may include up to 40 vendors. On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market and San Pedro Square for lunch, activities, people-watching and shopping. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for six years to focus attendees on healthful and “green” living. Kaiser Permanente will schedule its Blender Bike for Smoothies on occasion, allowing shoppers to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.Parking validations for Farmers’ Market shoppers are available for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table. Visit sjdowntownparking.com.Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (sjdowntown). Check sjdowntown.com/events/sjda-events/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/. Call (408) 279-1775 for information.About the San Jose Downtown Association: The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose. Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser PermanenteFind the season's freshest fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, and gourmet treats from more than 30 local certified growers and purveyors of fine food, plus unique gifts from local artisans, at the Downtown Farmers' Market, now in its 23nd season.When: Every Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.May 6, 2016 – November 20, (no Market July 1)Where: The Downtown Farmers’ Market is located on San PedroStreet in San Jose, between St. John and Santa Clara streetsAdmission: The Market is free and open to the publicAttendance: Weekly attendance averages approximately 2,500Audience: Downtown office workers, out-of-town visitors, residents, and San Jose State University students and facultyEvent Producers: The San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA), a local nonprofit business association, in partnership with Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA)Seasonal produce: Though a lot of vegetables are grown in California year-round, a lot of fruit ripens starting in May, including apricots, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes and raspberries. In June, find blackberries, boysenberries and other melons.Gourmet foods: The market has attracted purveyors of breads and baked goods, fresh fish, cheeses, honey products, olive oils and vinegars, wine, jams, sauces and ethnic treats, all locally grown and made.Local artists: Displaying crafts, jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves and clothing.Sponsors/partners: City of San Jose, VTA (Valley Transportation Authority), San Pedro Square, Republic Services; Metro Newspapers, El Observador, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo 48, MIX 106.5, 94.5 KBAY, KFOX 98.5Websites: www.sjdowntown.com and www.pcfma.com