Pearlridge Market Launches Aug. 17
Pearlridge Center is soon to be home to the Pearlridge Farmers’ Market, which will take place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, kicking off Aug. 17.
The market is the fifth installment created by FarmLovers, the group responsible for Ala Moana, Haleiwa, Kailua Town and Hawaii Kai markets.
“We are happy to be serving that area because there are no markets there,” FarmLovers co-owner Pamela Boyar said, adding that she and co-owner Annie Suite had been looking for a venue on the West side for several months.
“We are going to have a lot of variety,” Boyar said. “We will have a lot of farmers, a lot of vegetables, a lot of fruit and great food to eat … We always pride ourselves on making a good mix of vendors.”
Other products include fresh fish, meat, eggs and cheese – all from local sources.
“All of our products that our farmers sell are from Hawaii,” Boyar explained. “We do not allow imported products into our market.”
FarmLovers states on its website: “We are committed to creating and utilizing more sustainable agricultural land, and believe that through supporting local agriculture and the local economy, that more lands will be made available to the small farmer. This is a benefit to our entire island as the less we have to import the better.”
Vendors include Fields of Aloha, Simok Farms, Alice’s Organic Farm – all of which carry fresh fruits and vegetables. Naked Cow Dairy sells locally made butter, cheese and yogurt. VJ’s Butcher Block carries locally caught fish and local pasture-raised meats.
One vendor, Leahi Beverage, will carry coffee from the Big Island.
“They also make incredible smoothies, and they make their own kombucha. It is really delicious,” Boyar added.
Other than food, artisans also will be selling their works that include woodworking and sunrise shells.
In addition to advocating for small farmers, FarmLovers also aims to support the community. Boyar said that one way it does this is through housing a cafe at each of the markets – a gathering place where people can enjoy prepared meals. Diners in the cafe also can enjoy live Hawaiian music.
One prepared-food booth is called Baker Dude.
“He is our main baker, and he bakes out of the back of his truck with a convection oven. He makes croissants, Danish, bagels, all sorts of breads, baguettes and sweet bread,” Boyar said.
Others include Waialua Sweet and Savory, Pt. Suisse Crepes and Santa Cruz Tacos (beginning in September).
The market also will feature a kids’ booth with arts and crafts activities.
As with all of FarmLovers’ markets, the Pearlridge market also will be a hub for green practices: All vendors will use compostable utensils and plates, and compostable and recycling bins will be available.
The Pearlridge Farmers’ Market will be located along Kamehameha Highway in front of Sears and Zippy’s.
For more information about FarmLovers and the new market, visit alamoanafarmersmarket.com.
