The Twin Peaks farmers market was launched just nine weeks ago on March 3 under the direction of Alex Vallejos. His goal was to create a community-based and community-focused event featuring the very finest fresh produce, unique food items and artisan goods on the mountain in a safe atmosphere for families and children.

The Twin Peaks farmers market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday, weather permitting, in the parking lot of the Rim of the World Masonic Lodge, which is located adjacent to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station. The April 14 event drew over 100 shoppers who had a choice of 24 vendors offering baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, homemade beverages and fresh fruits and vegetables, such as loose-leaf lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, celery, strawberries, microgreens, broccoli and citrus fruits.

Entertainment was provided by the Men on the Mountain band.

Golden Heart Family Farms out of Ontario featured one of the larger assortments of fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs. Damian Castillo, who works at the 10-acre farm, told The Alpine Mountaineer that this was his first time at the Twin Peaks event, though he has been to several others in the area. Castillo said his produce is organic and contains no soy or antibiotics. “Business is very good today,” he said.

Hook Creek Farms, located on Pine Ridge Road in Cedar Glen, is operated by owner Terrence Tenielle, a certified microgreen grower. “We are a family-owned and operated business located in the San Bernardino mountains at 6,000 feet elevation. Since 2008, we have been working on producing organic produce for our friends, family and neighbors,” he said. “We want to see the world thrive in a nutrient abundant setting where health and vitality are available to all.”

Among the farm’s offerings are an original blend of turnip, radish, purple kohlrabi, broccoli, blue kale and collard microgreens, black sunflower, mico arugula, mico red amaranth, micro purple broccoli and micro blue Scottish kale, just to name a few. He said their products are available at LuLuBelle’s in Running Springs, Jetties in Lake Arrowhead and Spade & Spatula in Blue Jay.

Garnering much attention was Apple Valley-based Pan dé Bronnáire, which specializes in gourmet artisan breads, rolls and coffee cakes. Owner Dr. Robert Bronner, who holds a doctorate in metaphysical science, said he specializes in holiday specialty baked goods, one of which, his vegan-chocolate cake, won best of show at the San Bernardino County Fair. Asked where he learned how to cook, he said, “I’ve been cooking for 20 years, starting when I was 10 years old, and I’m self-taught from research I have done.”

Some of the other vendors included Riverside’s Black Sheep Farms, Enzos Kettle Corn and Lemonades, Nohemi’s Mexican Catering and Buddy’s BBQ.

Robert Holland, who resides nearby in Twin Peaks and brought his family to the event, said, “I love coming here; it’s very convenient. So far, this is the sixth time I have been here, and I definitely plan on coming back.”

According to Vallejos, the Twin Peaks farmers market is the only one on the mountain that has been certified by the San Bernardino County Department of Agriculture. He said he plans to add more children’s activities, such as coloring books and face painting, to make the event more kid-friendly. He invites anyone with questions or suggestions for future farmers markets to contact him at (909) 547-4567.