The College of the Desert Alumni Association provides support to the College through revenue generated by the Alumni Association Street Fair, which is held at the northwest corner of campus, near the intersection of Fred Waring Drive and Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, CA. With more than 300 vendors, the street fair is not only an important part of the community, but also a vital facet of financial aid at the College. Funds raised by Alumni Association memberships and the weekend street fair provide student scholarships and financial aid every year, and help fund other college programs and projects. Street fair patronage, in turn, enables the Alumni Association to continue to offer its support to the College of the Desert.
Holding more than 300 vendors, shoppers can find eclectic merchandise while taking in live entertainment, refreshments and fresh items from the farmers’ market. Admission, parking and shuttle services to and from the parking lot are all free during the fair, which operates every Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. year round. Beginning in October until next May, the market will grow to hold 340 vendors. Foot traffic ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 people per weekend.
The Early Bird Gets the Deals
Vendors at the street fair have noted that the morning hours are usually best for visiting the fair, with the ideal time for browsing being between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., because it’s easiest to park and move around. The fair operates an Early Morning Discount Program, in which participating vendors offer specials during the first two hours after opening. Presently, around 100 vendors give these discounts, which are a hit with shoppers.
For more information:
College of the Desert Alumni Street Fair
43-500 Monterey Ave.
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Tel.: 760-636-7957
Website: www.codstreetfair.net