“Best season we’ve ever had”: The Street Fair vendors pack up last day of the season

After a two-year pandemic pause, it's finally a wrap on the 38th season of the Street Fair at College of the Desert.

The Street Fair reopened back in January with many customers and vendors taking advantage of its return.

Vendor Curt Barnes and his wife Joyce own the business Gripstics.

"We've had the best season we've ever had by far out here," said Curt. "This market has a lot of Canadians and they weren't able to come down for two years. So it was like pulling a bow and arrow back and then letting it go. And when we finally opened back up, people haven't been shopping, they haven't been traveling and it was just a perfect storm."

The Barnes have been selling their products at the Street Fair for more than 10 years. Curt said this season they nearly doubled their regular sales.

"This is with the high, you know, prices for hotel and gas and everything. I'm just so surprised that we're doing as good as we're doing," said Curt. "Most of the vendors that I've talked to-- they all had one of the best seasons they've ever had."

Customer Katie Didion has been shopping at the street fair for almost 10 years.

"I was really excited about coming today because we've been away for two years," said Didion. "I just I love it here and I know I'll find something to buy... Defintley worth the heat."

Didion was visiting from Sacramento and always makes sure to hit up the Street Fair when she's in town. 

As vendors pack up for the season, they hope the momentum keeps up for the next one.

"I think they were all making a good comeback. I really do. I think I think we're on the right track," said Curt.

The Street Fair will be closed in July and August and will return on Sept. 3.

The Street Fair is presented by the College of the Desert Alumni Association. It has been a staple weekend event in the Coachella Valley for more than 36 years.

The family-friendly shopping experience offers an open-air farmer’s market-type setting, with dozens of vendors selling everything from clothing and home goods to furniture, vintage cars, and much more. Shoppers can also enjoy live entertainment and a wide selection of gourmet food vendors.

Proceeds support College of the Desert students by raising money for the Alumni Association, which provides scholarships, financial aid, and other programs and projects that advance the educational needs of students.