Los Angeles Farmers Market

The Los Angeles Farmers’ Market was opened on July 14, 1934, during the Great Depression, when several entrepreneurs decided to create a sort of European marketplace in the city where artisans could sell handmade goods and farmers could sell produce from their fields and gardens.

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Background

From the beginning, dozens of California farmers have participated in the trade. Their descendants trade at the corner of Third Street and Fairfax to this day. For example, Blanche Magee’s kiosk, who came up with the idea of peddling homemade sandwiches, still exists here.

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Today, the eateries operating at the market are responsible for 16 different types of cuisine, from pizza to Singaporean and Brazilian dishes. You can also watch ice cream (at Bennett’s) and candy (at Littlejohn’s House) being made here.

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The market has about 3 million visitors a year. It hosts Jazz Tuesdays throughout the summer and dance parties on Fridays. And if anyone misses the market’s July birthday celebration, you can always make it to the October 16-18 Farm Festival.

In addition, concerts, a mini-zoo, art and craft sales are planned. As an added attraction, guests are encouraged to come to the market dressed in 1930s costumes.

There are certainly plenty of tourists hoping to meet Natalie Portman in line for organic zucchini. However, the market is also hotly loved by locals. Here you’ll see California moms with strollers and Russian immigrant retirees playing chess for days on end.

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The famous Los Angeles Farmers Market celebrated its 75th anniversary in mid-July 2009. The festivities, which attracted many tourists, lasted for a full week. The main anniversary event took place on July 14. The “Tastes of the Farmers Market” program began at 5:00 pm and ended at 9:00 pm. Farmers from all over California offered shoppers the freshest of their produce. Those attendees who paid $20-25 were able to participate in tastings hosted by 36 restaurants located around the market. On July 16, the Big Birthday Bash was held at the market. Free cupcakes and slices of a huge birthday cake made in the shape of a tower clock were offered to everyone. Musical performances were held daily from July 16 through July 18. Children’s programs were held on July 18 and 19, USA Today reported.

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