Joyeux: Altadena Urban Farmer's Market

I live in a small town in the hills above Pasadena. Pasadena is the dazzling prom queen and Altadena is the artsy, cerebral little sister who enjoys thumbing her nose at tradition. Pasadena gets the Rose Parade and the oohlala press coverage but we have something Pasadena will never have, the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market. How do I explain this fabulous creation from an entire community of citizens dedicated to a sustainable local economy? I am a devoted reader of Bill McKibben's "Deep Economy" and Barbara Kingsolver's "Vegetable, Animal, Miracle", both advocates of building strong local economies and sustainable, seasonal consumption. I feel privileged to be a part of this uprising in our community. It's an effort to regain our agrarian roots and support our local economy.

So what is it? It's a monthly market set on the historic Zane Grey estate where local vendors come to sell homemade foods,crafts and homegrown produce. It's organized by Gloria Putnam and Steve Rudicel, the owners. More on them later, they deserve an entire post of their own. It's a community fair, a meeting of minds ,and an opportunity in this car-centric world to meet your neighbors who live only two blocks away.

I just participated as a vendor in my second market. It was a beautiful day to meet more amazing people and taste delicious offerings from fellow vendors. Happy to be an Altadenan.

If you live locally, come, enjoy, be a part of the community.