The Harbor Area Farmers Markets is having its “Grand Opening Celebration” of the Thursday Night Uptown Market in Bixby Knolls tonight.
The Harbor Area Farmers Markets, sponsored by the South Coast Interfaith Council, found a new home last month in Bixby Knolls for their Thursday night market. To celebrate the Uptown Market, the opening celebration will be tonight at its new location at 46th and Atlantic, next to the CVS Pharmacy.
The market’s new hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Customer parking will be primarily on the frontage road just south of the market area, extending south from 45th Way. The CVS parking lot may also be used by market customers without charge.
The festive grand opening celebration will feature a number of events, including live music with saxophonist Mickey Bridges, face painter Marsha Franks and animal balloon twister Marco Espindola. Also, everyone in attendance will receive a free piece of chocolate cake.
All of the products and vendors from the previous market have returned to the Thursday night market. Vendors include four fresh fruit and vegetable farmers, honey and bee products, orchids, baked goods, Mediterranean food, fresh roasted peanuts and nutty snacks and kettle corn. Market regular vendor West Coast Seafood will now be available at the Thursday night market.
In addition, several hot food vendors will offer gourmet Mexican food, roast corn and southern-style barbecued beef, chicken and pork.
Specialty items, such as cactus, succulents and balut will also be available. More high-quality products are promised to be added as the market grows.
The weekly free produce drawing will continue as well, but at the new time of 5 p.m.
All Harbor Area Farmers markets accept EBT foodstamp cards and WIC coupons.
For more information about the Uptown Long Beach Farmers Market, call 866-GOOD-VEG or visit www.harborarea farmersmarkets.org.
