35 Years of Saturdays: The Camarillo Farmers Market Is Still Run by Neighbors
In My Town with Barry Funkhouser
VC Locals Only
Since 1991, the Camarillo Certified Farmers Market has set up almost every Saturday morning in Old Town. That’s 35 years of peaches, plants, tamales, and running into people you know.
Barry Funkhouser of 101.3 FM Camaradio swung by for the big anniversary.
Run by neighbors, for neighbors
Two things make this market different.
First, it’s run by volunteers. The folks in blue shirts aren’t paid. They’re there because they care.
Second, the money goes to charity. Vendor fees fund free grief and bereavement programs through Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice. That includes grief support at 14 schools across the county. This year, the market is on its way to raising $120,000.
What Barry found
Magic tricks and balloons for the kids. Native and pollinator plants grown in Somis. Handmade crochet and seasonal crafts. Organic fruit picked the day before. Small-batch granola made by two sisters. Live music from a Camarillo local. Even the mayor stopped by to say congrats.
One grower has been there since week one. Only two vendors can say that.
Why it matters
A bag of peaches here supports a farmer, a maker, and a family who’s grieving. It also gives neighbors a reason to slow down and talk.
When: Every Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 2220 Ventura Blvd., Old Town Camarillo
Parking: Free
