Eat Real Organizers Ask Patrons to Use Alternative Transportation

When Robyn Johnson, editorial manager for the Eat Real organization, found out that the 405 Freeway was going to be closed the same weekend as the Culver City Eat Real Festival, she was startled.

"There was a momentary panic," she said. "Then we quickly started strategizing."

The festival, which is set to run from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Helms Bakery complex, has been in the works for some time.

"There were months of planning before we got the announcement," Johnson said.

The Eat Real Festival is a showcase for local farmers and food providers to connect with residents as a way of bringing people closer to the source of their food. Admission is free, and food prices are capped at $5 per item.

Mathew Runeare, marketing director for the festival, said that there will be shuttles from various parking garages in Culver City.

"The shuttles we were going to do anyway," he said.

In addition, the festival is encouraging participants to ride, bike or take public transportation. But the epic "Carmageddon" does not seem to faze the crew for Eat Real. "We're not as concerned," said Angela Anthony, marketing director for the Helms Bakery. "There are enough people who are looking to stay local that weekend."

Indeed, Culver City Chamber of Commerce President Steven Rose said that he thought the festival would be full, even though more of the participants would be coming from closer ZIP codes than might have otherwise.

There are a host of ways to get to the Eat Real Festival, all posted on the festival's website, EatRealFest.com. 

In a way, festival organizers believe that the 405 closure might be a blessing in disguise, if it encourages people to walk, bike or take public transportation. "We just realized that you don't have to stay at home," Johnson said.