By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

Grossmont Center kicked off its produce-only farmers market on Wednesday, July 24. The market is a collaboration with La Mesa Parks & Recreation Foundation — which will be receiving all of the vendor fees during the new weekly event.

“The last City Council meeting was overwhelming in support of the not-for-profit market we were thinking about, which is pretty cool, so we decided to turn this market into a not-for-profit market,” said Grossmont Center director of public relations Trevor Moore.

At the July 23 La Mesa City Council meeting, Grossmont Center proposed moving the Friday farmers market to its location and turn it into a market where all proceeds go to local charities. Council voted to keep the market in the Village [see story on page 1].

The Wednesday market had several produce stands as well as a few boutique food items like homemade teas and herbs, fresh cold press olive oil, local-sourced honey and hot sauces.

“I think it’s a great start to this event and I think it has great parking and access and we’re excited,” said La Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation president Laurie MacDonald. “This particular farmers market is about produce and fresh ingredients. With its access, you can come in, get your stuff and go.”

“And all while you’re doing it, you’re supporting La Mesa Parks. All the proceeds go into the parks,” added Misty Thompson, La Mesa Parks & Recreation Foundation executive director.

Partnering on a farmers market goes “hand in hand” with a current goal for La Mesa’s parks — a community garden at MacArthur Park, MacDonald said. When the community garden is finished, La Mesa Parks and Rec Foundation is going to promote the garden during future farmers market.

While the community garden promotions are still a ways off, Grossmont Center is currently promoting its new market with a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree. People who sign up for the market’s email list will be put into a pool where each week, nine names are chosen and assigned an inning. At the following Saturday’s Padre game, if a Padre hits a grand slam in that inning the person with the corresponding inning wins the prize.

The Grossmont Center Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday, 2-6 p.m. in the parking lot by the CVS and Dollar Tree stores.

— Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at [email protected].

(Photos by Jeff Clemetson)