As the early morning Sunday fog begins to burn off, the Marina’s weekly farmer’s market begins. From 9:30 am till 1:30 pm at the Fort Mason Center, farmers, bakers, florists and even local musicians showcase their goods.
This local event has been taking place every Sunday, year-round, at the Fort Mason Center for quite some time. Happy Boy Farms has been coming to this farmer’s market for over 14 years.
Steve, a Happy Boy employee, said, “We’ve been participating in local Bay Area farmer’s markets since the business began 20 years ago.”
The question that most people ask at this market is, “Is this organic?” Well, yes indeed! Most of the retailers who participate in this local market grow and sell all organic produce. “Customers appreciate and come back more often when they know where the food is grown and how it’s treated,” Steve said.
So what does ‘organic’ really mean to a grower? “Organic food is planted, farmed and produced without the use of any pesticides, chemicals or added food dyes. It’s natural,” said Steve.
The farmer’s market isn’t just all vegetables. There are various vendors who sell all kinds of fruits and exotic juices. Pomegranate seeds and juices are this seasons’ “hot item” according to the employees at Swank Farms, since this is the pomegranate’s time of the year. But, the farmers who sell fruit always have one item on hand at all times: Strawberries.
Lauren, a employee for Swank Farms, said, “Strawberries grow great in the summer. But now since it’s fall, they are smaller, but that just makes them sweeter.”
Fruits and vegetables are a no-brainer when it comes a farmer’s market; so what else is there?
Santa Cruz Pasta Factory has been pitching their tent at the Fort Mason Center for over 4 years. Their signature pastas are made in a small factory in Scotts Valley and most of them are egg-free. They have over 48 different kinds of pastas and raviolis along with 12 different types of sauces and spreads. Santa Cruz Pasta Factory’s goal is simple: to give back to the community that helped them succeed.
Succulents! Kaprielian Growers specialize in made to order container gardens and also showcases their beauties every Sunday at the market.
The cherry on top for this local farmer’s market is the live music. Wafting through the air at this market is the smell of crisp veggies, sweet fruits, but also the sound of songs and strings. A different local band plays every week. This week, a three-some including an acoustic guitar, a violin and an accordion play up-beat folk music.
Most passerby’s glance at the tent where the musicians play and then continue on with their shopping, but a handful of others enjoy the Sunday sun by taking a seat and enjoying the music.
This long running event is a staple in the community and locals take advantage of it. Carrie, a local Marina resident, said, “I come here almost every week to get my produce. It’s fun and easy. Most of the merchants know me by name and they are always extremely nice and helpful.”
A list of all the vendors as well as seasonal recipes and crop updates can be found on the California Farmer’s Market website.
SF Marina Moments 