Every Saturday, hundreds gather at the Newhall Farmers Market. But for Larry McClements, managing local markets is about more than fresh produce — it’s about building community. And it all started with a single peach.
“I grabbed one, got in the car, and drove away,” said McClements.
Larry McClements
“Took a bite and I almost had to pull over on the side of the road, I said, this is the most amazing peach I’ve had in my life — never tasted so good and that’s how I discovered farmer’s markets,” said McClements.
That bite sparked a passion. Today, McClements manages three certified farmers’ markets in Santa Clarita, each carefully curated.
“These are all small family farms out here — proud of what they grow. They bring the best quality you can get in Santa Clarita, and nobody can compete with that.”
Alongside the farmers, handpicked artisans offer diverse goods, including homemade pizza and croissants, fresh seafood, pasture-raised meats, and European cheeses.
His workday may end at the market, but his passion continues in the classroom, where he’s training to become a chef.
The Culinary program at College of the Canyons is an absolute gem. Every class I’ve taken has been wonderful, and I’m going to get my Culinary Arts degree — that’s my goal,” said McClements.
He wants to take what he’s learning in the kitchen and share it with others.
“I would also like to teach our own community here low-cost or no-cost cooking lessons — so people can learn to make simple meals at home with ingredients from our markets,” said McClements.
From farm to table — and from student to teacher — McClements is helping Santa Clarita savor what’s local.
