By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY- Staff Writer

Crestline is a fresh food desert at this time with the temporary closure of Goodwin and Son’s Market and the closest farmers market is in Twin Peaks on a weekday afternoon.

Beginning on Sunday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and continuing every Sunday all summer long, a new certified farmers market will be bringing fruits and vegetables to Top Town Crestline. There will be some 30 vendors rendering fresh fish, breads, honey, hummus and more. There will be hot food, too. Come discover the variety of items available.

The market will be located on the elevated cement slab at the intersection of Highway 138, Crest Forest Drive and Lake Drive, which was the location of the historic Rim of the World Tavern. The marketplace, which is coordinated by Alex Vallejos (who also coordinates the Twin Peaks market), will be bringing produce from many certified growers, direct to Crestline.

“I attend many farmers markets and know who are the best certified farmers and encouraged them to bring their crops to Crestline,” Vallejos said.

“I was concerned about the residents of Crestline and wanted to bring them quality, certified fruits and vegetables, cottage and artisan food producers that a certified farmers market can provide. Since I am active in numerous farmers markets in the SoCal area with my Flying Squirrel products, I asked several to join with me in serving the Crestline area and they readily agreed,” said Vallejos. He will also feature local artisans to bring shoppers a unique shopping experience.

For a market to have certified produce, the farmer must have a certificate from the Department of Agriculture verifying the produce they sell is only what they grow. Also, certified famers support agriculture in the state through the fees they pay.

“We will have four to five great certified farmers each week,” Vallejos said, “and they will be from different farms than the Thursday organic market.

“I want to serve the people of Cedarpines Park, Valley of Enchantment, Skyland, Crestline, San Moritz and all the other small Crestline communities, who are now forced to drive down the hill to get weekly items. There is a need that is not yet being completely filled and I want to help the residents.”