The Altadena Community Farmer's Market had a low-key first day today (we'd only heard about it yesterday ourselves). The market will be held each Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM in the parking lot of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2889 Lincoln Ave.
Pictured: produce from today's farmer's market.
The organizers, Rick Hernandez and his partner Manny Hernandez of Air Machine Farmer's Market, had earlier tried to put together a farmer's market under county auspices in Farnsworth Park last year, but met with significant community opposition. (Air Machine also rents out inflatable party bouncers, which explains the name).
Air Machine, along with People in Progress, a nonprofit organization, and groups of local farmers, put together these farmers markets. They had been contracted by the county to put on the Farnsworth Park market, but the one at Sacred Heart is entirely private -- the church will receive a cut of the rental space for each booth.
Hernandez said they were also courted by the county to put together a market in Loma Alta Park, but with the opening of the market at Sacred Heart, that seemed less likely. "We're just waiting for the county to give us our marching orders," he said, but he felt it unlikely that another market in the area would succeed.
Today's market had less than 20 booths, but there was an abundance of fresh produce available, as well as T-shirts, candles, and other items. (There was even an Elvis imitator). Rick Hernandez said that there would be more vendors next week, including prepared foods, as well as kiddy rides to make it a full family experience.
Pictured: Elvis tribute artist Donovan Chavez performs at the farmer's market.
Community correspondent Sharon Carman emailed: "We found delicious blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, fresh carrots, fresh herbs, lettuce, cucumbers, cabbage, bananas, avocados, Gala and Pink Lady apples, fresh baked goods, plus so much more."
