A secret world exists early in the morning in downtown LA. Starting around midnight the vivid Los Angeles Produce Market starts to stir. Located downtown in the warehouse district this industry works when most people sleep moving close to ninety percent of the nation’s produce through its doors onto trucks leaving for destinations all over the country. It is an amazing place, vibrant and alive filled with wonderful produce and really nice people especially on Christmas Eve morning.
This year was particularly festive due to the fact that most of the people working here were getting a long three day weekend. People who work the market usually always work on Saturday so their weekend only consists of one day. I’ve been walking this market for over ten years and can’t remember the last time it was actually closed for three consecutive days! Needless to say, the party started early here this morning.
It’s rather ominous looking the market, trucks and glaring lights everywhere, people moving quickly loading trucks with pallets of product. You need to walk it carefully, staying out of the “pushers” way, that’s what the loaders are called, “pushers”, the guys that push the dollies The first time I walked this market my escort told me, “Wear jeans a sweat shirt and hat and don’t talk to anyone, they’re not used to seeing women here!” I wore my normal clothes and made sure to say good morning to everyone I met with a smile and didn’t get any cat calls (well maybe a couple). Ten years later women actually work on the market too, not many but there is a female presence but the thing about Christmas is that it’s the men who really do it up.
It’s dark and cold this morning at 5:30 AM but thankfully not pouring down rain as it has been for the last seven days. Lots of the guys and girls working are in the spirit with Santa hats and wreaths are hung in the funniest places. Live trees are set up in several places, the ceilings are so tall so it’s a great place for huge Christmas trees, and people just work around them. Others have small trees on their podiums filled with lights and decorations. It’s really festive amidst total warehouse motif. This market is very multi cultural so the food served on Christmas Eve is too – that’s right the food served. Many vendors set up buffets for their staff and customers including sushi, tamales, carne asada, and champurrado even a bubbling pot of hot apple cider complete with apple slices. There are also sweet potatoes cooking on the propane heaters! The aromas are delicious. Other decorations are put out including fantastic full size electric train set and even the dirty ole gigantic stuffed “love” bear. Funny, but you can actually feel the love here today. Of course it wouldn’t be the LA Market on Christmas Eve morning without tequila shots! Someone always has a set up with cut limes, lemons sugar and salt. It’s a little too early for me, but hey, these guys are all at the end of their day. Here’s to keeping the holiday spirit alive. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
