The Original Farmers Market (that’s right, “Original” is now part of the name) has a week’s worth of goings-on starting July 13 in honor of its 75th birthday. But before I share those, I’m going to share a few of my favorite Farmers Market memories, because I’m an L.A. native who’s been going there my whole life — a time span of more than a couple of decades.

— Earliest FM memory: My mom buying us kids some Littlejohn’s English toffee, thereby launching an addiction that continues to this day. Later, when I was in high school, my mom and sisters and I spent a couple of Decembers making English toffee as Christmas gifts, but we never could make it as good as Littlejohn’s and eventually gave up.
— In high school, eating Magee’s corned beef on rye while my friends ate pizza. We were really looking for boys and a cheap place to hang out; the boys were scarce (if not their grandpas), but the hanging out was great. For a change of pace, we’d go to Du-par’s, order toast and coffee, and occupy a booth for hours.
— The summer before heading to college, going to the place that everyone just magically knew about to get a fake ID made. (Hey, it was the ’70s, and the Farmers Market, along with everything else, was a lot looser then.)

How about your memories? Please share them in Comments, below.

Now, as for the celebrations:

Monday, July 13, 7 – 9 p.m.: Free party featuring the boomer cover band Once More.

Tuesday, July 14, 5 – 9 p.m.: Taste of Farmers Market, where $20 lets you taste your way through the market ($25 if you want to add a couple of wine/beer tastes). From 6 to 8 p.m., JoAnn Cianciulli will be signing her new L.A.’s Original Farmers Market Cookbook. Meanwhile, around the market you’ll discover a magician, a doo-wop group, a cariciature artist and a jazz quartet.

Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 – 9 p.m.: Free performance by Dean Mora and his big band; from 8 to 11 p.m. the market will host its own karaoke contest.

Thursday, July 16, 8: a.m.: The official birthday. Look for the USC Marching Band, comedian Jeff Garlin, city politicians and a really big cake. From noon until 10 p.m., there’ll be strolling musicians, book signings and concerts.

Friday, July 17, noon – 9 p.m.: Free concerts and strolling performers, as well as book signings.

Saturday-Sunday, July 18 – 19: The fun is particularly family-friendly, with face painting, arts and crafts, magic shows, banjo music and more. Something will be going on from 11 a.m. until closing.

Here’s the flyer with all the details, including how to get tickets for the Tuesday tasting: farmersmarketla.com.

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