The popular weekly outdoor "Fullerton Market" returns to downtown Fullerton Thursday, April 2, offering farm-fresh produce, arts and crafts, handmade apparel, live entertainment, food booths, and activities for young people.       

The market, located in the Downtown Plaza on Wilshire Avenue, between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenue, will be open from 4-8:30 p.m. Thursdays through October, when it will close for the winter.          

Admission is free to the market, which is in its 18th year of operation.          

Fullerton Market "creates an atmosphere similar to a European-style open air market, where shoppers meet their neighbors and get to know their community a little better, as well as find lots of bargains," said Ashley Glass, special events coordinator for the city.          

In addition to the produce vendors, the market will feature a live band each Thursday.  The bands, which will range from rock to country, will perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m.          

Along with the entertainment, the market will feature a beer and wine garden for adults and a Kids' Korner, which will offer special activities to keep children happy while their parents shop.  During warm weather, the Plaza's pop jet fountain provides a great cooling-off spot for youngsters who are welcome to wear their swim suits.            

Applications are still available for local farmers, artisans, merchants and community organizations wishing to operate booths in the market.         

The market is open to certified farmers, artists and crafters, Fullerton businesses, nonprofit organizations and food vendors.  Applications must be completed at least seven days prior to the desired date of participation in the market.

 Booth applications and further information may be obtained at the Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave.          

Applications may also be obtained on market days at the information booth.         

Parking for the market may be found in any of the free downtown lots or in the parking structures at Wilshire (enter from Harbor);  Lemon Street and Chapman Avenue;  and in the Transportation Center on Pomona and Santa Fe Avenue.           

Further information about Fullerton Market may be obtained by calling Glass at (714) 738-3338 or the Fullerton Museum Center at (714) 738-6545.