The eagerly awaited reopening of the La Quinta Certified Farmers' Market will occur September 27 as the popular open-air market commences its second season in the streets of Old Town La Quinta.
"We love being back in Old Town," enthused manager Paul Palodichuk. "They have been incredibly supportive, and it is one of the best places to have a farmers' market."
You couldn't ask for a more appealing backdrop for a food-and-flowers market than the Spanish Colonial architecture of Old Town. The pedestrian-friendly venue has become the heart of historic La Quinta and the nascent market has transformed normally slow Sundays into the week's busiest day for the retail shops. Between 500 and 1,000 people packed Old Town during the market's first season and the number of vendors this season has increased to 23.
One of the newcomers—Malibu Olive Comapny—is run by Indian Wells resident Robert Jaye, who knew the weekly event would be a perfect fit for his premium product line when he first visited last May. "It's a really nice envionment, the winding streets and their music. I thought it was just fantastic."
This year the market plans new events in addition to its live music and chef demonstrations while the vendors will now stretch from end-to-end of the European-flavored meandering streets.
Old Town La Quinta—which debuted in 2001— is weathering the economic downturn with amazing grace. Although some of the original establishments have gone, there have been eager replacements and even expansions. The site is 85% occupied and home to many professional offices as well as unique boutiques. A wonderful coffee house, Old Town Coffee Co, offers homemade breakfast fare to augment lunch- and dinner-dining choices at celebrity-owned restaurants from Clint Eastwood and William Devane.
Paper Paper Stationers, a brand new stationary store operated by longtime friends, Linda Wright and Karen Steinhart, will host its grand opening September 17 at 4 p.m.
Owner Wells Marvin, the developer and impetus behind Old Town, is ramping up marketing efforts and expanding the budget this year even in the current market since he feels the seven-year-old district has gained critical momentum and support from the city's residents. Referencing events such as movie and music nights, the farmers' market, and the always-popular seasonal Art Under the Umbrellas, Marvin adds, "I think we've establshed Old Town as a place to go."
The Certified Farmers' Market hours are 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through May
Photos courtesy of The Desert Sun and Free Foto.com
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