Santa Monica Farmers Market Big Birthday Bash

For some, turning 30 can cause momentary lapses into sheer panic, neuroses and genuine freak-outs. But not if you’re the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Arguably one of the most loved farmers markets in the U.S., the legendary foodie haven adored by Los Angelinos and the city’s finest chefs will celebrate its milestone 30th birthday in cool stride with the Good Food Festival and Conference.

Running September 14th-18th in partnership with FamilyFarmed.org, an organization whose mission is to “expand the production, marketing and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced food in order to enhance the social, economic and environmental health of our communities,” the Good Food Festival and Conference will focus its content on regional and national issues facing local food systems with an eye towards the future of farming, especially as local, sustainable, artisanal small family and community farmers and producers are becoming the healthy, safe and affordable choices for many.

From speaker panels, cooking demos, exhibitor booths, film screenings and a “Localicious Gala” ocean party, guests of the Good Food Festival will be immersed in all things good food. “For the past six years, our partner, FamilyFarmed.org, has produced the most successful trade show and festival for small to mid-size focused farmers in the country. They have a proven track record of developing farmer focused events that play an important role in building local food systems.” says Laura Avery, manager of the Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Events kick off at the market on Wednesday, September 14th with a cooking demo and a screening of the film Harvest later that evening at the Aero Theater. Throughout the rest of the week, festivalgoers and farmers can check out discussions on financial strategies, food policy and public health and sustainable business models. The gala on Friday evening and lots of food sampling continues through Sunday at the Santa Monica High School.

Check out complete event details here.

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

image: Jill Ettinger

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