Poulsbo market goers will be able to buy local goods through December.
The Poulsbo Farmers Market association announced last week that they would remain open through Dec. 17, and likely will open earlier next year, said market manager Brian Simmons.
The market this year already had opened earlier than in years past on April 9.
“We’ve been talking about it for quite a while now,” Simmons said.
They polled farmers and other vendors and have discussed a year-round farmers market with the Kitsap Community and Agriculture Alliance.
The market also has been in talks with the city and the Port of Poulsbo to gain support for a covered, permanent location for a year-round farmers market in Poulsbo.
Thus far, no decisions have been made on that front.
“We can’t pay retail rent … we need a special situation,” Simmons said.
Which can be a tough sell in this economy. But Simmons said some ideas being floated include a structure that could be used as shopper-friendly covered parking when the market isn’t open.
For now, the market is focused on being open for 10 months out of the year, Simmons said.
This autumn, the market will remain at the spot at Seventh Avenue and Iverson Street.
Market organizers are discussing ways to modify the site to make shopping easier on cold and rainy days, perhaps by clustering tents or offering a heated tent to offer shoppers relief.
The late market is likely to be smaller, Simmons said, and it may open later as daylight hours wane.
With an early heads-up, participating farmers may have time to sow cool-weather crops such as spinach, kales and chard, onions potatoes and winter squashes.
Since fall is slaughter season, the market also hopes to draw meat vendors.
And crafters and people who make preserved goods also will have a chance to sell wares as the holiday shopping season kicks into gear.
The City of Poulsbo and its business men have a golden opportunity. The growing Poulsbo Farmers Market needs a new home. If you study the numbers you readily recognize the potential draw the market offers. It’s a bit unbelievable but it has grown faster than any other market in the state. It could become a regional market. Only the imagination can limit what could be built around that. Investors, you are in the position to step up and the time is right.
This is awesome! I can count on fresh local food and goods for 10 months! YEAH!