The Bixby Park Local Harvest Farmers Market is home to local produce vendors, small businesses and fresh food for people who are looking for something made from home.
The market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 130 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, California.
Farmers markets serve as community hubs that connect people directly with the sources of their food, support local economies and promote sustainable living.
They play a role in building a sense of community by connecting people through shared values of hard work, humility and local support.
Band “The Towels” plays live classic rock, country blues and bluegrass music during the Bixby Park Local Harvest Farmers Market on Oct. 4, 2025 in Long Beach, California. (Hailey Hildreth)
“They’re [her family working at the produce stand and other vendors] very humble. They’re not like big braggers. Since everyone knows everyone in the market, we can go back and forth and be like, oh, if I get some avocados, you can get your sandwich. Everyone’s very connected, everyone helps everybody out. So it’s really nice,” said Alexa Arroyo Serrano, a student and produce vendor at Local Harvest.
They give local farmers, artisans and small food producers a direct opportunity to sell their goods without middlemen. This helps them earn fair prices and keep local agriculture thriving.
They offer fresh produce and other foods that are often harvested the same day or week, as well as encourage healthy eating habits by reducing reliance on processed or imported foods.
For many, shopping at the farmers’ market isn’t just about buying food, it’s about contributing to something larger. Every purchase helps fund someone’s livelihood, whether it’s a family, a local baker, or a small flower grower.
“When I was 50, and my wife was 40, my wife got pregnant with our second child. So now I’m 65, and he’s 15, and this is for his college fund. He wants to go to Oregon, but I would like him to do two years at Long Beach City College to save and get all his required classes out of the way, and then go to the University of Oregon. So this is our plan,” said Terry Prowell, a local plant vendor.
Farmers market vendor Terry Prowelle showcases his collection of succulent plants for customers that were shopping at the Local Harvest Farmers Market in Long Beach, California on Oct. 4, 2025. (Hailey Hildreth).
They give small farmers, artisans and local business owners a chance to earn a living from their craft and sustain their day-to-day lives through honest work.
Rather than relying on large corporations or distributors, these markets allow vendors to sell directly to customers, creating a fair exchange that benefits both sides.
“It’s hard, it’s not easy, but it’s very rewarding. Being in 20 years of fashion, you just never get the satisfaction that somebody likes it, and here you have direct contact with people, and they give you feedback, and you see how much they love it,” said Magdalena Krutsky, a fashion designer and owner of an upcycle shop at Local Harvest.
Farmers market vendor and fashion designer Magdalena Krutsk displays her clothing pieces for customers to shop at the the Harvest Farmers Market in Long Beach, California Oct. 4, 2025. (Hailey Hildreth).
The atmosphere is rooted in care, gratitude, and local pride, helping people stay grounded and reminding everyone that supporting one another is a form of growth in itself.
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