Since its inception in 1999, the River Park Farmers Market in Fresno, CA has been a central space for countless vendors, performances, and cultural congregations. In a city as diverse as Fresno, it naturally became a community haven where cultures aren’t just recognized, but shared and appreciated. So why, then, is River Park steering away the Asian food vendors that have been so instrumental to its success?
The shock came to Asian vendors last weekend, when they were notified by River Park management that all Asian food would be eliminated from Tuesday and Saturday events – the only days vendors can operate in the shopping center.
Allegedly, the appalling blanket ban was made to cut down competition with River Park tenants, following complaints from an unspecified Asian restaurant within the shopping center. In an Instagram post, Lin’s Restaurant Group denied the complaint came from its several restaurants in the center, which include Spicy J’s, J-Pot, J-tea, and O-iza.
As of April 18, the decision has been reversed. Still, the lasting damage inflicted on the community is undeniable.
Food sellers affected by this ban reacted with confusion, anger, and sadness.
“My heart still hurts,” said Natalie Sakkakhunaune-Simmavong, owner of Lao food trailer Sticky Rice on Wheels. “I literally felt ran over by a truck. I felt really hurt.”
More than the vendors themselves, the local community responded with similar passion.
“We’re just asking for respect. We’re asking for transparency, and we’re asking for an apology,” said Christine Rose, owner of the maarte., a collective dedicated to sharing and uplifting Filipino culture in the valley.
And it’s not just organizations sympathizing with these Asian sellers; this ban has affected the broader Asian community, including Asian young people.
“I personally think that the situation is completely ridiculous,” said 18-year-old Angelina Lee. “[River Park organizers] preach the ‘value of supporting the rich multi-cultural communities of the Central Valley,’ but the exclusion of Asian vendors does not align with their vision.”
Kimberly Vang, 18, also had much to say on the matter.
“River Park is a popular area that gave small businesses an opportunity to share their culture while making a living, and that was honestly stolen from them,” said Vang. “River Park’s decision definitely reflects larger issues: the ongoing battle between the rich and the poor, racism, and ignorance.”
Vendors and community members alike have indeed been frustrated by River Park’s lack of transparency. With no follow-up until a week later, and no clarification for why this ban is so crucial to the survival of long-profitable River Park tenants, residents are left to wonder what is next for the community, even with the reversal of the ban.
“River Park’s decision further adds to the marginalization of Asian representation and voices,” said 18-year-old Khloe Ackerman. “Cultures should be celebrated and not so easily pushed away.”
Christine Rose returned to Instagram to release a statement following the reversal of the ban.
“Not only was River Park’s statement not a sincere apology, there was no acknowledgement of the willingness to learn more about the cultures we represent and why this situation is more than just about access,” she says. “It is about accountability. It is about conscious acceptance.”
Rose is justified in her disappointment. Though River Park has apologized, this cannot undo the hurt felt by those affected, and the loss of the center’s credibility as a safe space for all cultures. What Fresno needs is a reliable, trustworthy, and supportive backbone for its diverse community.
While it is uncertain whether Asian food sellers will accept the apology and make a return to River Park, there is no doubt that they will continue to support each other and find comfort in the love and acceptance shared by the public.
