La Jolla Elementary School

Open Aire Market

History of the Market

The market was the brainchild of Sherry Ahern.  In 1996, Sherry had two children enrolled at La Jolla Elementary School and was on the Friends of La Jolla Elementary Board.  Sarah Agler was President of the Friends Board 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 central community meeting place over the years, now with nearly 100 vendors each Sunday.

Since its inception, the market has helped fund numerous school improvements including the new library, fund the Art and Music Programs, the YMCA lunchtime program, and most recently provided a large-scale technology program.

The current Market Manager, Darcy Young, began as a PTA parent volunteer and has been with the market since 1999.  Sherry Ahern still works tirelessly on market promotion and improvements and serves on the Friends of La Jolla Elementary Board as Market Liaison.

We are also very grateful to Donna Tripi, our school's principal, who is very involved and supportive of the market.

Thank you for your support; the children appreciate it!