After three years of feasibility studies and plans to put a permanent, year-round market at the Utah State Fairpark, the idea finally has an opening date.
The International Market, designed to help bring unique foods and culture to Salt Lake City’s west side, will open May 28, officials have announced.
“We’re trying to create something that’s special and unique to Salt Lake City, and also to the west side,” Larry Mullenax, the fairpark’s executive director, said at a news conference Wednesday. “We want to create a place where business owners can sell their goods. It will be a collaboration to help young entrepreneurs. It will also be a place where you can find goods from all over the world, and learn about other cultures and customs.”
Mullenax stressed that the International Market is not a farmer’s market or craft fair. Its purpose, he said, is to address food insecurity on the west side, provide foods that are culturally important to the surrounding neighborhoods, create a destination for Utahns to experience other cultures through food, crafts and art, and give immigrants and refugees opportunities to start businesses.
Neighborhoods around the Utah State Fairpark, at 155 N. 1000 West — including Fairpark and Westpointe — are among the most culturally and ethnically diverse areas in the state. Many people in those neighborhoods also live in a “food desert,” Mullenax said, meaning they live at least a half mile from a grocery store, and lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
That’s one reason, Mullenax said, that the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency decided the Fairpark would an ideal location for a permanent market. The Fairpark is also near a TRAX station, and has infrastructure — including restrooms, kitchens and permanent buildings — that were ready to be adapted to a market’s needs.
The city had planned to open a market in May 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold. The market will open in two phases, starting with monthly events throughout this year — with dates set for May 28, June 19, July 18, August 21 and October 29. Doors would open at 2 p.m.; vendors are scheduled to be set up until 8 p.m., while music and entertainment would run until 10 p.m.
Larry Mullenax, executive director of the Utah State Fairpark, speaks at a news conference on April 6, 2022, announcing the May 28 launch of the Fairpark’s International Market.
Food will be the main focus for the vendors, Mullenax said, with food stands, food trucks, and such niche goods as herbs, spices, cookies, candy and produce. A beer and beverage garden will sell beers and other drinks from around the world.
The goal is to have 75% of the goods be authentic and artisan-made, with as little mass-produced imports as possible, Mullenax said.
In phase two of the plan, the Fairpark will build out barns 8, 9 and 10, to provide permanent spaces for vendors, and to expand outdoor spaces. The indoor market would be open four days a week, year-round, and the outdoor market would be open once a week, weather permitting.
Entertainment will be held both indoors and outdoors, and would feature live music, dance, poetry and storytelling. Other offerings would include interactive activities for kids, cooking demonstrations, workshops and dance classes. The grounds will also be available to surrounding communities for cultural festivals.
Mullenax said the Fairpark is still seeking vendors, performers and language interpreters, as well as people who can help with cultural sensitivity, idea sharing, planning and promotion. Those who would like to participate should visit the Fairpark’s website for information on upcoming public meetings, or contact the Fairpark at 801-538-8400 or info@utahstatefair.com.
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