Nikki Kleist
Assistant Life and Arts Editor
Within the Santa Monica community, many diverse cultures exist that have formed into their own niche. Every Sunday, hundreds of people congregate at the Sunday Santa Monica Farmers’ Market on Main Street to share their passion for fresh produce, live entertainment and much more.
The Sunday Market is the newest addition to a four-group farmers’ market organization located in Santa Monica.
Established in 1995, The Sunday Market gained community support and was considered a place worthy of fresh produce shopping. After inviting local Main Street businesses to participate in a non-agricultural section, the market distinguished itself as a unique member of the organization.
With a long list of farmers and non-agricultural vendors, many agree that there is plenty from which visitors can choose.
Among the unique food purchase possibilities are options, such as French crepes, Artisan breads, tamales and, of course, an assortment of fruits and vegetables.
Senior Rachel Buckmaster has lived in Santa Monica for three months and said she regularly attends The Sunday Market.
“I like all the fruit and bread stands,” Buckmaster said. “It’s nice to get a variety of things, whereas at a supermarket it is more limited. The farmers’ market is nice because, since they have so much, many times that can be your weekly supermarket trip.”
Buckmaster’s residence is conveniently located near the farmers’ market, making it easy for her to regularly attend. Though this is the case, she said she thinks the experience is a worthwhile trip for everyone in the area.
“I don’t think Pepperdine students take advantage of the farmers’ market enough,” she said. “It’s a great place that has live music, great food and shops.”
Live music is provided at The Sunday Market every week. This month, “The Back Boners,” “Chris Murphy Band,” “JBZZ” and “Jazz Mammals” will perform.
Although this may deter a select few from visiting, the market also hosts also children’s activities, including pony rides, youth chess and, most importantly, clowns.
With so much to offer, Pepperdine dietician Katherine McCune encourages students to take part in the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market community.
“The Farmers’ Market goes from fresh produce and finding organic produce all the way to the gamut of supporting local growers,” McCune said. “It keeps that whole process of keeping the farmers’ market well and alive.”
Although individuals may be turned off by the not-so-glamorous displays that many supermarkets boast, McCune assures it is safe and healthy.
“Don’t let looks fool you — if you buy loose lettuces, like spinach or wild greens, just make sure they get washed before eating,” McCune said. “A good trick to save pennies on buying washing lotion is making your own. Just put a tablespoon of vinegar in a quart of water and you can spray that on produce, like outside of melons, cantaloupe and strawberries — that gets all the dirt and surface bacteria off.”
The market provides an alternative to searching for parking with a bike valet. The service is free.
If one does decide to drive, there is free parking at the John Muir/SMASH parking lot at Ocean Park Boulevard between 5th and 6th Streets. Also, there is validated parking at 2600 Barnard (Lot 5) at the beach. Parking must be validated at the Information booth at the market.
The other three markets in the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market organization include one on Wednesday and two on Saturday. No animals are allowed at the farmers’ markets.
10-02-2008
