Last month we attended the very first New LA Flea Market at Dodger Stadium. It’s happening again today (August 29) and will take place once a month from now on. For the inaugural market, things started off a little rough. We were there for the early bird entrance and ended up waiting in a line of cars that stretched down Elysian Park to Sunset. Some cars even pulled out of line and left because there was talk of a permit problem canceling the event. We toughed it out though and pretty soon they started letting people in. Once this happened, it was actually a breeze to park and get into the flea market. Vendors later told us that they too arrived early (some 4 or 5am) and had to wait hours to get in and set up shop. By the time we were let in — somewhere around 8am– many vendors were still setting up. This all just seemed to be opening day kinks, though, and soon we all got over it.

The enthusiasm among customers was apparent. Everyone seemed excited about the new event and location. Though, we have to admit, the eating at least for the first day seemed nearly better than the shopping. In fact, the food trucks will likely prove to be a major draw. Borders Grill, Canter’s Deli, Indian food, sushi, crepes, etc. There was so much to choose from in our favorite categories: gourmet, decadent and ethnic. In the category of strange but delish, don’t miss Luigi Bites chocolate-walnut-black pepper cookies or the honey-lavender biscuits. We want to go back just for the food! Also, the views of downtown Los Angeles from Dodger Stadium are pretty spectacular.

Note: Besides new and used merchandise, there’s a kid’s play area, bands and friendly dogs on leashes are allowed!

The LA Flea Market at Dodger Stadium (Today August 29, check www.thefleamarket.com for next dates)

General Admission $7, Kids under 12 free

9am-4pm

Vintage, antiques, new merchandise & FOOD

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Ever wish you had the lowdown on the best farmer’s markets in our area? Now you do…

Oxnard Farmers Market

Thursdays, 9 am – 1 pm

Plaza Park at Fifth and C Streets, Oxnard  483-7960.

Also visit the interactive, indoor play space for children Gull Wings Children’s Museum nearby:  http://www.gullwings.org/

FRIDAYS

Simi Valley Town Center Farmers Market

SATURDAYS

http://www.ci.camarillo.ca.us/main.aspx?q=6070&p=9147

Moorpark College Farmers Market

Saturdays, 8 am – 12 noon

Parking Lot G1 at Campus Park Drive

Seasonal market and closed in the winter.

New location: Oak Park Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 am – 1 pm

Oak Park High School, 899 N. Kanan Rd.

http://www.malibufarmersmarket.net/#

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Looking for things to do this July 4th Weekend? Below are the best links to Conejo Valley/Ventura County and Los Angeles area events. Our family has always done the Thousand Oaks fireworks (usually, we park along T.O. Blvd several blocks from Moorpark Rd to avoid traffic afterward). Don’t make the big mistake we did, though, one year. We parked in the lot of Spectrum gym, above the 101 freeway, along with many other cars. We all freaked when, after waiting forever, the fireworks starting going off and we couldn’t see a thing! Ahhh, it seemed like such a good spot. All was not lost. We jumped in the car and raced down to T.O. Blvd, where we did see them. My son thought this was very exciting and actually puts it down as one of his favorite July 4ths! I figure this must happen to a crop of newbies each year so I’m giving you the warning.

This year we’ll be going to a parade, BBQ with friends and fireworks in Pacific Palisades. I hear July 4th in Pacific Palisades is very quaint and fun for the kids. I think the Aquarium of the Pacific event looks great, though (it’s in the LA listings).  Whatever you do, have a blast!

Conejo Valley/Ventura County July 4th Events

Los Angeles area July 4th Events

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I’m off to the Jones Fest today, can’t wait to sit and listen to some great music, in a totally casual house-party sort of atmosphere. You can follow me on twitter @debbiedoesmusic, I’ll be giving live updates including pics from the festival!  And Last.fm will be streaming the festival online!!

Happy Saturday!!

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I won’t miss them!

Old Santa Ynez Days/Jones Fest – June 12  | 12-7pm  Santa Ynez. The Jones Family, one of the original families in the area started this music festival somewhere around 15 years ago. It started in conjunction with Old Santa Ynez Days, which is in downtown Santa Ynez (don’t blink, you might miss this tiny town near Solvang off the 154). The Jones family has a house right there in downtown, and started hosting music there. The party has grown, and the lineup is amazing.

Johnny Cash Festival – June 19 | 10 – 6 Ventura County Fairgrounds. The Johnny Cash Music Festival is all about honoring the “Man in Black” with a celebration like no other. Tribute bands, Hot Rod cars, a “RockaBilly Babe” contest with “Cash” prizes, food, beer and wine and a few surprises are all in store for attendees.

This year’s Festival includes two stages that will feature Rock -a-Billy legend Robert Gordon performing with the Slim Jim Phantom trio; Johnny’s original drummer, W.S. Fluke Holland; Ventura’s own Cash tribute Band “Big River”, and from Hollywood, “With a Bible and a Gun”; among much more music. Over one hundred vendors will sell everything from men’s and women’s clothing and shoes, to records, children’s toys and hot rod accessories.

Tickets are priced at $20 for Adults; children under 12, dressed in black, get in free; and there are discounts available for seniors, military, students and AAA members.  Admission Price includes both the music festival and the car show. Pre-sale tickets for the Johnny Cash Music Festival are available at the Ventura Visitor Bureau, 101 S. California St., Ventura, CA 93001. Tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the event. www.johnnycashmusicfestival.com

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