Taste of L.A. Farmers Market is back and "All Fired Up"

Los Angeles (June 20, 2016) – The Original Farmers Market is gearing up for the eighth annual Taste of Farmers Market event, which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 with a feast of more than 50 delicious summertime food and beverage samples from Market grocery, restaurant and specialty food merchants.

For this year's event, the Market is pleased to partner with a local non-profit First-In Fire Foundation, who are "Friends of the Fire Department and Fire Service," and firefighters from Stations 61 and 68, in Battalion 18, South Bureau LAFD – the Farmers Market's neighboring firehouses. Special additions to this year's lineup include firehouse chili tastes prepared by Station 61 and 68 chefs themselves, a shiny red fire truck and a community activity table.

"The wonderful thing about Taste of Farmers Market is that you can actually eat your way through everything that is delicious at the Market from end to end, savoring both new cuisine and longtime favorite tastes," said Ilysha Buss, Farmers Market's Marketing Director. "We like to add new touches whenever we can to keep the festival fresh, so we've incorporated a wonderful community relations element this year with the First-In Fire Foundation partnership. It's a great way to support the efforts of our local heroes while having some food and fun at L.A.'s favorite gathering place."

"What better way to be neighborhood friends than to share fabulous food like Firehouse Chili 'all fired up' by our local brave firefighters!," said Lyn MacEwen Cohen, President, First-In Fire Foundation. "We are delighted to join forces with two of our favorite partners dedicated to a long tradition of public service in Los Angeles: The Original Farmers Market and LAFD. We connect local citizens to their local fire stations. You always find friendly faces and welcome hospitality whenever firehouse chefs are cooking yummy meals. For the first time, folks can sample a taste of firefighters' home cooking."

Featured menu items in past years have included mouthwatering treats such as tri-tip sandwiches, New Orleans shrimp, Greek salad, truffle mac & cheese, root beer floats, chocolate mousse and much more. This year's complete menu, which will include a variety of tastes for both meat-lovers and vegetarians, will be announced soon.

Adult tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, and a special $10 kids' ticket (10 tastes for 10 and under) will be offered this year, too. All adult tickets also include two drink coupons good for a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, and beer and wine samples. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Tickets are now available on farmersmarketla.com or in person at the Farmers Market Office located at 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036, on the second level above Gate One (open until 7 p.m. daily).

A 10 percent discount is available for group purchases of 10 or more. Admission also includes free

parking for the event in the Farmers Market surface lots or The Grove parking structure.

About The Original Farmers Market:

The Original Farmers Market has been Los Angeles' favorite gathering place since 1934. With more than 100 grocers, retailers and restaurants, as well as strolling entertainment throughout the year, The Original Farmers Market – known for its iconic clock tower – is a beloved destination for locals and one of the top tourist destinations in Los Angeles. For more information visit farmersmarketla.com.

About First-In Fire Foundation:

Dedicated to being "Friends of the Fire Department and Fire Service," the First-In Fire Foundation is sparked by a strong grass roots commitment to a well respected tradition of connection local citizens to their local fire stations. No Station left behind. Founded in 2008 as an independent 501(c)(3) public benefit cooperation. For more information visit firstinfirefoundation.org.