Veronica Sepulveda
Metro Editor
After a three-month break, the sights, sounds and smells of La Verne’s farmers market returned to the streets of downtown La Verne on March 7 and was in full swing last Thursday.
The market this season brought new attractions, including a bungee ride and a variety of new vendors.
“This is our 10th year,” Dave Gayman, owner of Family Festival Productions, said. “My staff likes to spice up the show with new farmers food and merchandise.”
Among the newcomers was Kristine de la Cruz, founder of Crème Caramel L.A., a dessert company that specializes in crème caramel and hot bread pudding. De la Cruz gave out samples of her favorite menu items.
“We have been at it for a few years and so far it’s been great,” she said.
“We try to give many samples to get our taste out there.”
De la Cruz began her company after graduating from Cal Poly Pomona.
“I just wanted to own a food based business,” De la Cruz said.
With that dedication, she took her family recipe and created her own masterpieces that will surely become the talk of the town.
Along with new vendors came new music. Performing in Mainiero Square was the Moonshine Buckets.
Playing several 1950s classic rock hits, rockabilly and country songs, the band had the audience moving its feet to the rhythm.
“They were great, so versatile,” Darlene McPherson, a La Verne resident, said.
“They are one of the best (bands) I’ve heard, and I come every year.”
Moonshine Buckets also performed at the Cool Cruise car show.
With the band only being together for roughly two and a half years, they are already making a significant impact on the La Verne community.
By the looks on people’s faces, it is easy to tell how engaging the band can be, and as advertised on their fliers, they proved to be not just a band, but also a show.
Despite new additions, vendors continued to sell the same popular items from previous years.
Booths with ceramic crafts, jewelry, clothing and trinkets manage to catch people’s attention as they walked through the crowded street.
“I love coming here just to see all the little stands and it kind of reminds me of summer,” junior criminology major Kathleen Meraz said.
The fresh produce and food vendors continued to tantalize people’s taste buds as they made their way down the booths.
Children enjoyed the petting zoo as they rode the horses and pet the pygmy goats, potbelly pigs, chickens and rabbits.
The farmers market is a great place for not only families but for the students of the University to enjoy as well.
“It brings a nice feel to La Verne. It’s something to look forward to after class,” junior sociology major Michelle Bedolla said.
The farmers market will continue brightening up downtown La Verne from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Thursdays until November.
Veronica Sepulveda can be reached at veronica.sepulveda@laverne.edu.
