“If you buy it, they will come. Markets only grow when community members patronize them.” - Amy Cotler, The Locavore Way.
I recently came across this quote about farmers markets and it struck quite a chord. Three years ago, my husband, his stepfather and I started this farmers market because we wanted to bring locally grown, healthier food to our community and to create a gathering place for community members, farmers, food processors and artisans. We love our market and have worked very hard to be able to bring it to the Mill Creek, Snohomish and Everett communities, among others. We have seen tremendous growth over just two years, and are so excited that we are already entering our third season.
We know that in order to keep quality vendors at our market or to recruit new vendors, our vendors have to do well in sales. That’s where you all come in. As the quote says, if you buy it, they (the vendors) will come (or stay). Please come to the market often and spend all that you can. Whether it’s stocking up for the weekend on items to use at home, or treating the family to a dinner at the market, or yourself to a handmade item from one of our artisans, that kind of support will ensure that our vendors thrive and our market will be here for you for years and years to come.
Also, help us spread the word by sharing this blog or our Facebook page with others. Consider inviting a friend or two the next time you come to the market. A lot of people are still unaware that we and/or Willis Tucker Park even exist. We post signs, get featured in local papers, we’re in the Farm Guide, have a great Facebook presence, but we still need your help.
That said, we are hoping for a terrific showing on our opening day this Friday! We have a wonderful lineup and it promises to get even better over the next few weeks. Here are just a few highlights to look for at this week’s market:
Bautista Farm will be joining us for the first time, and have provided us with a list of some incredible produce: Asparagus, onions, garlic, spinach, snap peas, lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, English peas, cherries, radishes, cilantro, kale and kohlrabi – grown organically on their 15-acre farm in the Yakima Valley.
Hayton Farm will have the year’s first strawberries, which I personally can’t wait to pair with Golden Glen Creamery’s creme fraiche (ask for it, as it’s usually not sitting out).
Flying Tomato Farm is also a newcomer to our market, and they grow a variety of tomatoes in Snohomish, along with cucumbers and garlic, and have recently added eggs to their market offerings!
We are also welcoming Woodinville Garden Designs who offer handcrafted cedar planter boxes, yard art, and general garden accessories!
We will have live acoustic music from 5-6 pm thanks to Sunday Speedtrap.
These are just a few of the wonderful vendors who will be at the market. Please let them know how pleased you are that they have decided to join us.
We can’t wait to see you all! Thank you for your patronage and support. Feel free to stop by the information booth with any questions or just to say hi. Here’s to a wonderful third season!
- Jim, William & Teddi
