The market was started by former La Jolla Elementary School (LJES) mom and La Jolla community activist Sherry Ahern.  In 1996, Sherry had two children enrolled at LJES and was on the Friends of La Jolla Elementary, Inc. Board (the fundraising group of the school). Sarah Agler was President of Friends of La Jolla Elementary, Inc. at the time and was also instrumental in getting the market going. The original motivation for the market was to help fund a library and librarian for LJES.  At the time, the school's "library" consisted only of a small collection of books in the back of the auditorium.

With help and support from San Diego Unified School District, local community groups, and the Friends Board, the vision finally became reality two years later.  The first market was held at La Jolla Elementary School on October 25, 1998 with 14 farmers and one artisan. The market has continued to grow and has become a vibrant weekly community event, now with over 100 vendors every Sunday.

The Market Manager, Darcy Young, was also a mom at the school, volunteered at the market for 6 months, and has now been in her current position for 10 years. Both Sherry and Darcy continue to work passionately on market promotion and improvement, and Sherry serves on the Friends of La Jolla Elementary, Inc. Board as Market Liaison.

Since its inception, the market has helped fund numerous school improvements and programs including a librarian, art, music, technology, nurse, extra teachers for lower class sizes in 4th & 5th grade, and instructional supplies.

The market would not be possible without the amazing support of the district and our principal, Donna Tripi.

Thank you for shopping our market!

Love, The Children of La Jolla Elementary 

Note: For more information about Friends of La Jolla Elementary, Inc., please visit: www.ljes.org/parent-involvement/friends-of-ljes-inc