The Mar Vista Farmers Market
Sundays, 9am - 2pm
12224 Venice Blvd, Mar Vista
One basic principle of farmers markets is that the good ones are crowded. There has to be something about them to make the community want to attend on top of their usual grocery shopping at regular markets and Trader Joes. The organizers of the Mar Vista farmers market clearly know all this too, and they have put their knowledge to good use.
This was one of the most crowded markets in LA, and it is not even located in an area benefiting from pre-existing foot traffic like markets on 3rd Street Promenade or Downtown. This, plus the presence of families and groups of young people just hanging out is a testament to the fact that people just plain like this market. The produce was not even that out of the ordinary; most of the vendors sell at various other markets as well, making this spot quality, but not necessarily unique, yet the crowds prove that something is being done right.
I always touch on the layout of these markets, as often it dictates whether or not the market is able to come off as a community event, a destination. Mar Vista had it exactly right; a long strip of vendors with produce and plants on either side, prepared food, music and a place to sit at the center. Who wouldn’t want to mosey over to Venice Blvd, have a crepe prepared before your eyes with some fresh lemonade and enjoy some tunes on a sunny Sunday. They even have a dog-sitter on the premises, as you can’t bring your pet through the market itself, and an arts/activity area for kids who don’t like staring at white peaches as much as their parents do.
As I mentioned, most of the vendors at the Mar Vista market are the same ones you will see at the several Santa Monica markets, and I recognized some from Long Beach and West LA, but with a few exceptions. One unfamiliar face was that of a cartoon dragon advertising organic dragon fruit, truly unique to any Los Angeles farmers market. One farmer carried only wheatgrass, seeds and beans, another singular specialization. There are plenty of avocados for sale right now at any farmers market but especially in Mar Vista, most of them perfectly ripe and always cheaper than at a grocery chain.
An unusual find was guaranteed no-MSG kimchee, which looked to be in higher demand than I would have guessed. Other prepared food included quiche and omelets by Café Laurant, the usual Peruvian food and drinks, and Mexican food made to order and smelling delicious.
A service worth looking into is J.R. Organics Farms, which offer “the box,” which is delivered to your home every week full of an assortment of hand chosen fruits and vegetables. This Community Supported Agriculture project allows you to exchange some items at the J.R. Farms booth at the market if you choose, a good way to keep people coming to the market itself. While services like this are not uncommon, the fact that this farm advertises it at the farmers market is a good way of knowing that you are in fact benefiting local farmers, and the market itself.
Another draw to this market was the recent addition of an artisan section at the far end, featuring the usual fare of bags and quilts, jewelry and soaps. Another non-food attraction was the Oasis Healing Center, who offered free massages to first-timers, right there in the market, which was weird but probably good marketing.
The Mar Vista farmers market is not far off the 90 fwy and is one of those markets full of hustle and bustle and little kids running around. True, many attendees are passionate about supporting local commerce and farmers and buying organic, but not everyone is enthusiastic enough to go out specifically for vegetables on a Sunday morning. The huge patronage there made it appear that this market is fulfilling its duty to the community, and doing so in an inviting way. By the way, parking is free next door at the Post Office, and there are metered spots close by.
photos by Shelby Chambers
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1 Taste of Linkals « Tasteoflocal // Sep 9, 2008 at 1:04 am
[...] You may now refrain from accusations of an East Coast Bias (City Zine) [...]
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