— by Margie Doyle —
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The Orcas Island Farmers Market may be the greatest single tourist attraction on the island, but it is also a summer Saturday tradition for many islanders. Which is only fitting, because only Orcas Islanders can sell their products –whether farm produce, dairy or crafted items — at the Village Green on Saturdays.
Farmers Market Manager Jennifer Pietsch says, “It’s a ‘makers market’ — you have to be from Orcas to run a booth, so not only are the products created here, but the money stays here. You’re supporting your neighbor as you’re helping support yourself.”
Now that it’s August, the farmers are really coming into their own, says Pietsch, with tomatoes leading the charge. Also in abundance are peppers, potatoes, onions and squash. There are definitely seasonal goodies and those who preserve the bounty will enjoy the fresh island produce into the winter months.
New farmers to join the market are Issa Wild of Cascadia Homesteads (which, in addition to keeping bees and growing produce and herbs, also makes “tiny homes” greenhouses, fowl coops bat boxes and timber raised beds); and Quincy and Tony, known already for their breads.
“I like that you can come to the market now and get everything you need for a meal, from bread to fruits and vegetables to fish and meat,” says Pietsch. “Plus, people like the Nutts bring lamb and pork meat and also wool, and they answer questions about weaving all day long. People love to talk about how people grow and craft their wares.”
Many people come to the market regularly for their Saturday lunch, with the Latin American food and the oyster vendors selling out long before market’s closing bell at 3 p.m.
Joe Symons, one of the first to serve on the non-profit Farmers Market board, is one of the regulars. He recalls when Julie Miller was Market Manager “all by herself”; and Brenda Harlow’s many years working to help other vendors at the market.
Bossy Feltworks, run by Kari Van Gelder, Mandy Troxel and Amy Lum, sees repeat clients year after year, as do many of the vendors. End-of-summer visitors always swell the market crowds and Mandy says, “It’s more people and more fun.”
Maria Papademetriou sells her iconic jewelry and artwork most Saturdays at the Market. She comments on being at the Green on Market Day, “It’s a nice way to earn some money, selling my art, and the social aspect is great.”
The Market brings people to the Eastsound business core and they fan out from the market to other stores, restaurants and businesses. “The Market gives people a favorable impression of Eastsound,” says Pietsch. “We’re busy and bustling and nothing if not colorful.
“August is one of the best time to be on Orcas. People return from year to year to vacation here and it’s exciting to see them come back — and their kids growing.”
With some vendors there for the season, and others dropping in, “You never know from week to week what you’ll find.”
Pietsch adds, “I’d like to see more buskers [wandering or street musicians]; to have more music, says Pietsch. “It adds another dimension — just call me.”
Or find her at the Farmers Market — she’s there all day every Saturday, touching base with all the vendors, answering questions, solving problems and greeting the “regulars.” She says, “The vendors do everything; it’s my job to support them.”
Booth space can be obtained for the season, half-season, or as a one-off, just by calling Pietsch at 317-8342.
The Farmers Market runs on the Village Green from April to October. Pietsch says, “We like being on the Green with other people, like the Solstice celebration and the Energy Fair. It makes the market more of a festival. More is better, for us and for everyone.”
The Market will move indoors to the Odd Fellows Hall the second weekend in October, when its hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Thanksgiving.
