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LARMAC & LARCS Help Keep Farmers Market in Ladera Ranch

Ladera’s master association green lights the use of LARMAC property to host the weekly event. LARMAC, LARCS and the Chamber identify Founders Park and Avendale Village Clubhouse Parking Lots as the new home for the Ladera Ranch Farmers Market.

Ladera Ranch, CA – Beginning Sunday, September 13, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) will host the Farmers Market in its new location at Founders Park and Avendale Village Clubhouse parking lots.

Since the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce founded the weekly community event, the Ladera Ranch Farmers Market has steadily grown in attendance. Todd Stearns, Chamber president notes that the number of booths has expanded to over 40 and includes food trucks and dozens of vendors selling locally grown produce. 

Resident Linda Bensadoun says that the walk to the Farmers Market has become an enjoyable Sunday morning routine with her family. “The kids enjoy fresh baked pizza from Dang Brother Pizza, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, and of course selecting their favorite fresh produce.” Although it’s not quite like the open-air markets she visited when living in Italy and France, Linda says “it’s the closest things we have in south Orange County.”  

Other Ladera Ranch residents say that they have met neighbors and friends from neighboring cities at the Ladera Farmers Market who enjoy the organic vegetables, the friendly vendors and the fact that there is something for everyone. Local families say it’s a fun way to get out for a bike ride with the kids. 

Until now, the Ladera Ranch Farmers Market has been unable to find a permanent home. Previously it had been held at Mercantile West shopping center until Stater Bros. opened, then at the Ladera Ranch Elementary school parking lot.   

In August, the Chamber of Commerce was notified by the school district that they would be unable to continue the use of the parking lot for the Farmers Market due to district restrictions. That left the future of the Farmers Market unsure. The Chamber considered moving the Market to a neighboring city. 

Todd Stearns approached LARMAC and LARCS (Ladera Ranch Community Services) to see if the three organizations could come up with a location that would work. Multiple potential sites were identified and considered. In the end, Founders Park and Avendale Village Clubhouse parking lots were the most ideal location.

LARMAC Board president, Joe Ribotto said, “The Board was enthusiastic about the idea of keeping the Farmers Market in Ladera. Although LARMAC doesn’t host events, our Board saw this as an opportunity to permit the use of a space to retain this event that matters to many of our residents. The Chamber has worked hard to create this unique attraction and we’re happy to do our part to keep the Farmers Market here in our community.”

LARMAC, LARCS and the Chamber agreed that they will periodically reevaluate the agreement to ensure that the location continues to work for all three organizations. As the state makes future changes that impacts events, sports and field-use, needs and requirements may change. 

On behalf of the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce and the LARMAC and LARCS Board of Directors, residents are invited to visit the Ladera Ranch Farmers Market in its new location starting this Sunday, September 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Ladera Ranch Farmers Market

  • Day:        Sundays
  • Hours:     9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Founders Park and Avendale Village Clubhouse Parking Lots
    28275 Avendale Boulevard, Ladera Ranch

To find the most current information, visit LaderaRanchoChamber.org