Firefighters from Stations 61 and 29 will be showcasing their culinary skills at the The Original Farmers Market 9th annual Taste of Farmers Market event on Tuesday, July 18 from 5 to 9 pm. The event is a feast of tastes of more than 50 summertime food and beverage samples from the Farmers Market’s grocery, restaurant and specialty food merchants.
This is the second year, the local non-profit First-In Fire Foundation and firefighters from Stations 61 and 29, in Battalions 18 and 11, the neighboring firehouses, will be cooking at the event. Station 61 and 29 chefs will be serving a vegetarian and meat firehouse chili. There will also be a fire safety demonstration from Wilshire the Fire Dog, a community activity table, and of course, a shiny red fire truck.
Proceeds from this year’s event will support the work of First-In Fire Foundation, benefitting the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) youth leadership programs and projects at local fire stations, including its Fire Cadet Program and its new Girl’s Fire Training Camp. The Fire Cadet Program provides young men and women with an exciting opportunity to learn about firefighting and emergency medical services as future career choices. Cadets are young men and women ages 14 through 20 from all areas of the community that participate in fire department training activities, meetings and ride-alongs, once they are “ride-along” certified. The LAFD Girl’s Fire Training Camp is designed to give teens and young women a closer look at what it takes to be a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department while outlining the action steps needed to be successful.
“We are delighted to be partnering, once again, with The Original Farmers Market for their annual Taste of Farmers Market event,” said Lyn MacEwen Cohen, President, First-In Fire Foundation. “It’s always special to give back to the local community. What better place to enjoy old fashioned hospitality and the simple pleasure of sampling tasty firehouse chili cooked and served by our friendly local ‘fire chefs?’ And, what better place to celebrate Los Angeles’ youth than at one of the city’s most iconic destinations? Taste of Farmers Market is smokin’ hot and so much fun.”
“Taste of Farmers Market is one of our biggest and most special events of the year, as guests are able to sample the wide variety of cuisines we offer from all over the world,” said Ilysha Buss, Farmers Market’s Marketing Director. “Last year’s inaugural partnership with the First–In Fire Foundation was a huge hit, and we are thrilled to be working with them again, this time with a special focus on youth programs. The Market is Los Angeles’ quintessential family-friendly gathering place, which makes this a perfect match for this year’s event.”
Featured menu items in past years have included mouthwatering treats, such as prime rib sandwiches, squash blossom and ricotta cheese tacos, New Orleans shrimp, spicy lobster, spanakopita, root beer floats, chocolate mousse and much more. This year’s complete menu, which will include a variety of tastes for both meat-lovers and vegetarians, as well as offerings from the Market’s newest merchants—Nonna’s Empanadas, Michelina Artisan Boulanger and Local Ice— will be announced soon.
Adult tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, and a special $10 kids’ ticket (10 tastes for 10 and under) will be offered again this year, too. All adult tickets also include two drink coupons good for a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, and beer and wine samples. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Tickets are now available on farmersmarketla.com or in person at the Farmers Market Office located at 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036, on the second level above Gate One (open until 7 p.m. daily).
A 10 percent discount is available for group purchases of 10 or more. Admission also includes free parking for the event for vehicles parked in the Farmers Market surface lots or The Grove parking structure.
About The Original Farmers Market:
The Original Farmers Market has been Los Angeles’ favorite gathering place since 1934. With more than 100 grocers, retailers and restaurants—as well as year-round activities for shoppers of all ages—the Farmers Market is a beloved gathering place for locals and one of the top tourist destinations in Los Angeles. For more information on The Original Farmers Market, visit www.farmersmarketla.com. Follow the Farmers Market on Twitter at @FarmersMarketLA and Facebook at facebook.com/farmersmarketla.
About First-In Fire Foundation:
Dedicated to being “Friends of the Fire Department and Fire Service,” the First-In Fire Foundation is sparked by a strong grass roots commitment to a well-respected tradition of connecting local citizens to their local fire stations. No Station left behind. Founded in 2008 as an independent 501(c)(3) public benefit cooperation. For more information visit firstinfirefoundation.org.
