South Pasadena Farmers’ Market Turns 20 in August!

South Pasadena Farmers’ Market (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

Nothing says summer like a farmer’s market.

By Melissa Michelson

David and Diana Beadle, residents of South Pasadena, don’t often shop at supermarkets anymore–instead they frequent the weekly markets in the San Gabriel Valley.  The South Pasadena Farmers’ Market is a popular and long-standing market spanning about four blocks.  It is located at the South Pasadena Gold Line metro stop in the heart of historic South Pasadena, and it operates every Thursday from 4-8 pm, except Thanksgiving and on the 4^th of July this year.

Carole Gallegos manages this edibles-only market.  She chooses which vendors can set up shop at the market and which musicians play for the evening.  Gallegos ensures a variety of vendors, currently nearly 60, and that they have proper health and agriculture permits.  She admits there is a long waiting list to become a South Pas vendor because the vendors return every week.

Families enjoying picnics on the grass (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

The South Pas farmers’ market exudes a small-town feel.  Families enjoy picnics on the grass while being entertained by musicians, and locals and non-locals meander from stand to stand tasting free samples of white nectarines, peaches and pluots. It is a local meeting point, almost a ritual for South Pasadenans who walk to the market.

Luis Rueda has been selling artichokes, cabbage, lettuce, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts at the Lompoc Suncoast Farms stand for 15 years.  While not organic, Luis explained they only spray the artichokes and brussel sprouts.

The band “Artichoke” playing under the oak tree (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

Ron Medina at Planet Cookies has been selling at the market for seven years. “This is a really good event. I have a lot of loyal customers.” The saran-wrapped cookies are baked no more than 24 hours prior to sale at a small bakery owned by a husband-wife team in Monrovia who have been baking for about 20 years, according to Medina.  His favorite cookie is the peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal.

From bakeries, to flavored yogurt, to cashew butter, to seasonal fruits and vegetables, the outdoor market is a great place to buy unique delicacies for enjoying at home or to grab a meal like roasted corn on the cob, creative soups, vegan tamales or Salvadorian pupusas.

The South Pasadena Farmer’s Market will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary this August.

Artichokes at the South Pasadena Farmers’ Market (Photo – Melissa Michelson)