The Original Farmers Market Celebrates 75 Years
Farmers Market early beginnings were humble to say the least. It originally opened 75 years ago with only 18 farmers, who paid $.50 each to rent space for them to sell their colorful harvests. Farmers Market has currently grown to 85 shops, and employs over 700 people.
It’s not hard to believe—the world famous Farmers Market, is a non-stop hum of activity.
With an average of 3 million visitors each year, Farmers Market is an industrious, busy, and a hopping place to be. Here are some salient and interesting facts:
1. On an average day, Farmers Market visitors purchase more than 1,000 gallons of coffee.
2. Employees in the various Farmers Market shops and restaurants speak over 20 languages for and as they serve their customers and clientele who hail from all parts of the globe.
3. Tusquellas Fish & Oyster Bar sells about 3,000 shrimps every day. Source: Farmers Market History
Farmers Market Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
Next week, Farmers Market is celebrating its 75 Anniversary and has many festivities planned. Be sure to mark it on your calendar and to-do list! Here are but a few of the activities being planned:
July 14th – Taste of Farmers
Will be featuring live music from the 30s and 40s, merchandise and food specials, and special ticket prices. Visitors are welcome to stroll the Market as well. The evening starts at 5pm and lasts until 9pm. For more information, visit farmersmarketla.com
July 16th- 75th Anniversary Birthday Party
Join marching bands, celebrities, and local dignitaries at the Clock Tower at Farmers Market. It’s commemorating its 75 years at Third & Fairfax. The Opening Ceremonies commence at 8am, and the entertainment and special events start at noon.
Farmers Market Annual Events
In addition to these weeklong special events, Farmers Market is host to many other free year round events:
Free Summer Music Series, May 28 – Sept. 11, 2009
Free Summer Family Fun Series, June – August 2009
Fall Festival, October 16, 17 & 18, 2009
Holiday Festivities, December 2009
Mardi Gras, February 2010
Gilmore Heritage Auto Show , June 2010
How do you get to the Farmers Market via Metro?
You can use the 16/316, 217, or the 218, depending on your starting point.
So the next time you need something to do—and some delicious eats—head over to Farmers Market and enjoy yourself. You’ll then continue the long honored tradition of being a part of Los Angeles history.
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I love the feel at these places, and this I’m sure is on a much grander scale than I’m used to. And all the free activities – what a great place to visit!
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
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LisaNewton Reply:
July 13th, 2009 at 6:59 am
@Lance, It is a great place to visit. Next time, I’ll eat at a few of the fantastic food outlets. I’ve heard they’re very tasty.
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I’m with Lance on this one. I love the atmosphere at a Farmer’s Market. It’s very festive and I really appreciate seeing the fresh produce. Fresh fruit, grown locally is a real treat.
Davina’s last blog post..To Smile A Smile
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LisaNewton Reply:
July 13th, 2009 at 7:00 am
@Davina, I also love the “greenness” of local produce. It’s one of the advantages of living in SoCal.
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I love shopping at my local farmers markets! I hope they become a way of life for most people soon.
“On an average day, Farmers Market visitors purchase more than 1,000 gallons of coffee.”
I am definitely one of those farmers markets coffee drinkers!
carla’s last blog post..Link Love: Bottled water, organic produce and more…
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LisaNewton Reply:
July 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
@carla, I can’t do coffee like I used to be able to do, but my one or two cups every morning is great!!
Coffee and the morning go together, and the Farmers Market is a great place to get the motor running so to speak.
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[...] the end of the day, if you’d like visit the neighboring Farmers Market, just hop on the electric powered trolley whose tracks meander between the two [...]
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