This past Saturday, the Farm-to-Fiesta at Stanford Avalon Community Garden was a vibrant, fun-filled day that brought together gardeners, families, and community members in South Los Angeles. The festival was a beautiful celebration of culture, sustainability, and community, showcasing the power of urban gardens to connect people and provide essential resources.

We kicked off the day with an incredible performance by the Azteca Dancers, whose colorful costumes and rhythmic dances set the tone for a day of cultural pride and unity. It was a fantastic way to energize the crowd and honor the roots of the land.

One of the highlights of the day was the Salsa Competition! Gardeners gathered fresh ingredients from the gardens to create their salsa masterpieces. The competition was judged in two categories: spiciest and tastiest. The "spiciest" category delivered the heat, while the "tastiest" salsa was a crowd favorite, featuring a smokey flavor that stood out among the competitors. The judges had a tough time deciding, but in the end, both categories had well-deserved winners!

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a range of education and environmental booths, learning about sustainability, gardening techniques, and community resources. A special shoutout to our major event underwriter, the LA Department of Water and Power, whose booth focused on water conservation—an essential topic for urban gardeners in Los Angeles.

Garden tours were another popular activity, giving attendees a chance to see firsthand the beauty and productivity of the Stanford Avalon Community Garden. The tours highlighted how these gardens serve as vital spaces for food production, education, and community-building.

A unique addition to the festival was a cowboy from Compton Cowboys who brought his horse and gave rides to delighted attendees. It was a special treat for kids and adults alike, bringing a bit of cowboy charm to the city garden setting.

To top off the day, several dedicated gardeners were recognized for their outstanding contributions with certificates presented by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson who called on us to remember our sacred connection to the land. It was a meaningful moment that honored the hard work and leadership within the community, reminding everyone of the impact urban gardens can have. 

The Farm-to-Fiesta was a perfect blend of culture, food, and education, and we are so grateful to everyone, including Urbano Strategies, who made it a success. Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and especially the community members who came out to support this event. We look forward to many more celebrations of our gardens and communities in the future!

Stay tuned for our next big event—the Gardenwide Gathering at El Sereno Community Garden on October 26! We hope to see you there! See more on our Instagram feed. 

Photo: Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson with gardeners