Farmers Market to open tomorrow — beginning in phases

— from Kristen Fay, Market Manager —

The Orcas Island Farmers Market Board plans to open the Orcas market slowly, in Three Phases. The first of these phases will begin Saturday, May 16 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the Village Green, Eastsound. We hope to grow the market as much as we can, as safely as we can.

The market will function in compliance with the most current public health directives in order to protect the safety of the community and to provide a platform for local access to local food, goods, and services. We see the farmers market as a commitment to the community; a commitment to both vendors and patrons. With the infrastructure of the market in place we are also dedicating a space for locals to safely engage and interact.

Phase One: May 16 – May 30th (3 Saturdays): Local farmers, fresh produce/grocery type vendors only. Stock up on Orcas grown farm fresh produce, meat, flowers, and plant starts! Pick up CSAs and online orders from local farms.

Phase Two & Three: By the end of May the OIFM board hopes to have more definition around how much we can expand the market based on guidelines from the state. Phase Two may start by expanding to baked goods, preserved foods, and prepackaged food. Then, health/well being and body care.

Phase Three, we hope, is all inclusive with craft, food, farm, and service, and looks more like a market we are familiar with.

This system of phases ensures the safety of the community, promotes community resilience, and actively responds to what is safe.

In ways, this is a well-intended experiment, and more than anything we need to prepare to be flexible, within ourselves and with each other.
In the meantime, if you are interested in participating and have essential business retail to offer please sign up for the 2020 Market: SIGN UP HERE