The Inaugural Echo Park Farmer's Market

Echo Park Farmer's Market

A quick ride west of downtown landed me at a city parking lot just south of Sunset and east of Logan, where I joined Sustainable Economic Enterprises-Los Angeles (SEE-LA) and community members in kicking-off the Echo Park Farmer's Market. The market was teeming with energy, as children enjoyed free face painting, live music floated through the air, and residents delighted in the fruits, vegetables, and other assorted organic products being sold by local farmers. Coming to the farmer's market, nearby neighbors sought healthier and more nourishing alternatives to provide their families with; and yet, the experience at the market has also helped to nourish the community. Farmers' markets provide a unique opportunity for community members from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the richness of food and the richness of life. In a world where reaching out to our neighbors is a rare event, the Echo Park Farmer's Market provided the perfect setting for residents to strengthen their bonds to the community and to each other.

I want to give a quick thank you to all of those who made the farmer's market a reality, starting with Pompea Smith and her crew at SEE-LA, whose tireless efforts continue to provide fresh food alternatives throughout the city. Also, I'd like to thank all of the folks from the Echo Park Farmer's Market Committee. Finally, kudos to Katrina Alexy, who designed the Echo Park Farmer's Market logo. Thank you all for your commitment and congratulations on a tremendous inaugural event!