Ramona Grange Farmers Market Continues to Grow Community Connections
Ramona’s Thursday night farmers market offers something for everyone.
Fresh produce, homemade treats, live music, food trucks and community spirit come together every Thursday evening at the Ramona Grange Farmers Market.
Located at Ramona Grange Hall 632, 215 Seventh Street, the market is open every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. throughout the summer and continues year-round. During the winter months, hours may be adjusted slightly due to earlier sunsets.
The market was created by the Ramona Grange as a service to the community and is entirely volunteer run. Keeping the market operated by volunteers helps keep vendor costs low while providing an affordable venue for local farmers, food producers and artisans.
"We are trying to get the word out to the San Diego Country Estates," said Ramona Grange Secretary Jo Palasi.
The market is managed by Vanessa Johnson and overseen by Grange leadership, including President Andrew Crain and Vice President Sean Cole. Vendors begin arriving nearly two hours before opening to prepare for the evening's visitors.
On any given Thursday, shoppers can find a wide variety of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, local honey, breads, coffee, beef jerky, jellies, candles, dried snacks and handcrafted goods. Food trucks offering pizza, barbecue and tacos add to the festive atmosphere, while live music provides entertainment throughout the evening.
One popular vendor, Judi Stanek, offers freeze-dried snacks and generously shares samples with visitors. She initially focused on freeze-dried candy but expanded her offerings after customers requested healthier alternatives. Today, her booth features freeze-dried fruits and vegetables that provide a nutritious substitute for chips and make convenient snacks for hiking, road trips and outdoor adventures. She also has her booth at the craft fairs at Ramona Oaks Park in the SDCE. In fact, many of the vendors have booths there as well.
The market's fresh produce is a major attraction. Large, flavorful fruits and vegetables are brought directly from local growers, giving shoppers a true farm-to-table experience. According to organizers, certification is an important part of the market's mission.
"We are getting more and more certified vendors," said Cole. "Certification proves that fruits and vegetables are locally grown and not purchased from a supermarket and resold."
Currently, the market features three certified agricultural producers and welcomes additional local growers interested in becoming certified vendors. Organizers encourage anyone who grows produce or creates local products to inquire about joining the market.
Typically hosting between 17 and 27 vendors each week, the market continues to expand as more residents discover what it has to offer.
The family-friendly atmosphere extends beyond shopping. During the summer months, children can enjoy free snow cones, while winter evenings feature bonfires and marshmallow roasting. The combination of local food, community gathering and entertainment has made the market a popular destination that often coincides with Ramona's Cruise Night activities.
For the Ramona Grange, the market represents more than a place to shop. It serves as a gathering place where neighbors connect, local businesses thrive, and residents can support the farmers and producers who help sustain Ramona's agricultural heritage.
Whether visitors come for the fresh produce, unique handmade products, delicious food trucks or simply the sense of community, organizers hope the Ramona Grange Farmers Market will continue growing for years to come.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler
