by Amy Columbo, HFM Board Chair
It was May 1997 when the Hollywood Farmers Market began with 10 vendors in the parking lot of the Washington Mutual Bank on Sandy Boulevard. Raymond Saul, a volunteer member of the non-profit Hollywood Development Corporation, lead a year-long effort to get the market established. He envisioned it bok choy endsas a neighborhood anchor with the concept of providing shoppers the ingredients they needed for their Saturday night dinner from the produce to flowers for the table.
At the end of the first season, Saul wrote, “We have done good work. We have given our community (and ourselves) a wonderful gift. We have created a central unifying event that draws all of us – from all of the surrounding neighborhoods together in the Hollywood District to enjoy one another’s company and to celebrate (and support) the abundance of our local agriculture. And, as we envisioned, I sincerely believe that the success of the Farmers Market will lead to the renaissance of the Hollywood District.”
Although the Hollywood Farmers Market has grown and evolved, I believe this sentiment continues to ring true in 2011. Today we have more than 60 vendors who work hard to bring locally-grown and produced food all season long. On average, 3600 customers visit our market each week to shop, eat and enjoy the community-gathering aspect that our market offers.
So please come and join us in celebrating the 15th season of the Hollywood Farmers Market this Saturday! The day is meant to draw attention to our market as an anchor in the Hollywood District and a Saturday morning tradition for many of us. We’ll have a large notepad available for those willing to share their favorite thing about the market or what the market means to them.
Big thanks goes to Whole Foods Market! Whole Foods Market will be serving its popular Berry Chantilly Cake starting at 10:30am in the SW corner of the market. This double-layered cake is made with light chiffon cake, layered with fresh berries and smothered in Chantilly icing (mascarpone cheese, French cream, and amaretto). For the vegans among us, Whole Foods Market will provide a vegan white cake, layered with chocolate mousse and fresh berries. What a delicious way to celebrate! Also, Whole Foods Market staff, including the head prepared food chef, will provide recipes and give suggestions on what to make with all the goodies customers can buy at the market. Please stop by and help us celebrate!
