Seal Beach Daily

The air was sweet with citrus and strawberries. The sun was gentle. The DJ spun big bands and Irish tunes. And the community turned out today to hobnob, shop local and celebrate its new(ish) resource: the Seal Beach Certified Farmers Market.

Leisure World residents were out in force. This market was born out of their requests for a farmers market to replace the grocer that left Seal Beach Village shopping center over a year ago. Now, their resource has now become a farm-fresh opportunity for all of Seal Beach — with beautiful produce, fresh baked goods, salsa, flowers, nuts, pies, olive oils, eggs and more in an easy-to-shop neighborhood market.

Market manager Joe Honescko welcomed shoppers and explained the market’s certification during the opening ceremonies. “Everything sold here is grown locally by the people who are selling it,” he said.

The business people and city officials who worked to make the market a reality also came out to celebrate the accomplishment. The market is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Chamber VP Seth Eaker spoke to the gathering about the virtues of shopping local. He thanked City Manager David Carmany, City Council Members David Sloan and Charles Antos and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Leonard DeLay. DeLay was on the planning commission as the market project became a reality.

A highlight of the day — in addition to my bag full of gorgeous greens: there were smiles all around as Leisure World’s Hui O Hula group lined the center of the market, dancing the day into a real celebration.

Previously at SBD: Taste test: should you go organic? and SB market farm fresh for the holidays.