Goldendale Farmers Market is enjoyment for vendors and customers

Grace Bland

For The Sentinel

Everyone loves food that’s fresh and products that are handmade, and it’s even better when coming from a familiar face. Those qualities are what makes Goldendale’s Farmers Market such an engaging event. The market is a great place to buy quality products from people who have a passion for providing the citizens of Goldendale with the cream of the crop from their gardens.

Every Saturday until the end of September, the members of Goldendale’s Farmers Market gather from nine to two in front of the Chamber of Commerce. Each week there is a different attendance of booths, as it is not a requirement to attend every Saturday. Another bonus to the event is that an-yone can open up a booth at the market, regardless of membership status. Simply paying a $10 fee holds a booth space open during the closest Saturday gathering, which allows vendors to test how well certain products will sell before they choose to become a fulltime member. Still, choosing to become a member is even more advantageous as it ensures spots will be held for the members’ booths. To become a member of the market, there is a $30 membership fee, along with the comple-tion of an application form, and the promise of only handmade and homegrown goods. Not only is this event profitable for the vendors, but it is also a place to share personal hobbies and build community. Tasty bell peppers, zucchini, corn, garlic, squash, tomatoes, berries, potatoes, and more are com-mon produce items featured at the market. The food is grown by the talented vendors who have keen green thumbs. The market isn’t limited to size standards like a grocery store would be, so the vendors bring all shapes and sizes to sell. Some have even managed to grow strawberries the size of an adult’s palm, and rumor has it that they taste as sweet as could be, even for the size. Market Manager Rody Schilling attests to the flavor of the strawberries saying, “They were amazing.” The seller and the consumer are the judge of what produce is or is not acceptable as the market doesn’t have restrictions on the present items, so long as they are homegrown. Other food products that are common at the market are baked goods and eggs, both a treat to find fresh from the vendors. Looking for a new basket or house decor? The market also meets those needs, as vendors are wel-come to bring any handmade item. There are smooth black knives made from obsidian or eye-catching African handwoven baskets. Pretty hairclips, purses, and candles are impossible to miss as well. The vendors show true talent in their various forms of art such as painting and wood-crafted American flags. These items become event more in demand as the months draw closer to Christ-mas. The market is closed after the last Saturday in September save for one day in late November. A bazaar is set up during that time to offer handmade gifts to be purchased in preparation for Christmas. This event is only one day a year, and the vendors spend an impressive amount of time in preparation for the event. “It’s fun to see what comes in,” Rody mentions. In total, there are between 17 and 20 members of the Farmers Market, and there is always room for more. Information to join the group can be found at the Chamber of Commerce. Memberships are not the only positions open; the board is always looking for new candidates, even those who aren’t members. Tobiah Israel has offered up 13 years of service to Goldendale’s Farmers Market, several of which he has served as president of the board. He will remain in his position for the foreseeable future, but having more board members is something he wants to see fulfilled. Rody has been in-volved with the market for 16 years and has chosen to retire from her position as Market Manager after four years filling the spot. Seeing her place be taken by someone who has a passion for the market would be a joy, as the market brings out wonderful qualities from the Goldendale community. To see the market boom would truly be a benefit to the town as well as the vendors, filling the town with the taste of farm-totable food.

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