Orange Drive Farmers' Market Debuts at Hollywood & Highland

Hollywood’s newest farmers' market aims to please with its offerings of fresh produce, pastries, clothing and petting zoo.

The Orange Drive Farmers' Market debuted Saturday, drawing a mix of tourists and residents.

Located on Orange Drive between Franklin Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, the market will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendors came from as far away as Bakersfield, including Cesar Colmemero of Gama Farms. He brought watermelon, grapes, figs and eggs to sell.

“The eggs are real fresh,” he said. “If you buy them this week, you’ll come back next week.”

Charlotte Rasbuary, a British tourist, stumbled on the market while out walking and was pleasantly surprised.

“I like it,” she said. “It’s so nice to see fresh fruit and fresh food.”

Nancy Dillon lives nearby and said the animals were a big draw for her. She often visits the Hollywood Farmers' Market on Sundays with her family, but she likes what the new one offers.

“They don’t have animals at that one,” Dillon said. “We have kids, and we’re always looking for something local to walk to.”

There were miniature ponies and a petting zoo that included goats, sheep and a llama. Shane Bruner of Southern California Animal Rentals was glad to be a part of the inaugural event.

“It’s a good experience for Hollywood and truly brings the theme of the farmers' market,” he said.

Market coordinator Melissa Farwell of Raw Inspiration said the event involves a team effort.

“We wanted to reach out to the local community here, and Hollywood and Highland wanted to reach out to locals too,” she said. “We have a good mix of farmers. A little bit of something for everyone is how we like to set up the farmers' market.”