Farmers Market Hits the Streets

Residents don’t have to travel far to get home-grown, handpicked produce. They can now buy succulent fruits and vegetables at the city’s new farmers market.

The market, 4 weeks old, draws two dozen farmers who bring produce, herbs, flowers and fresh-baked breads to sell from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at Florista and Pine streets. Admission is free.

A year in the planning, the market was organized by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce with the blessing of the city and local merchants.

“The market is a draw. . . . People who come here will visit the shops and restaurants in our community and hopefully boost their business,” said Connie Pedenko, the chamber’s executive director.

Part of the yearlong preparation involved finding the right location. The weekly event had to be near shops to have a positive effect on the city’s economy, Pedenko said.

The chamber chose the corner at Florista and Pine because it is next to Los Alamitos Plaza, a shopping center with a print shop, beauty supply outlet, travel agency, hair salon and restaurant.

The city approved the market on a six-month trial basis to determine whether traffic and parking would cause problems.

“The biggest advantage is that it brings 200 to 300 people into our area that hopefully will [patronize] our restaurants and gas stations,” Mayor Robert P. Wahlstrom said.

The mayor said he will ask the city staff for an update on the market’s progress at Monday’s council meeting.

Pedenko said residents in nearby cities such as Cypress and Seal Beach, which don’t have their own open-air produce markets, are welcome to stop by. And many local residents live within walking distance, she said.

“Yes, the market will stimulate economic growth, but it will also bring camaraderie in the community,” she said.