Stevenson's Waterfront Farmers Market Kicks Off the Season with a Vibrant Celebration
Checking out the market. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
Stevenson, WA– The first farmer's market of the 2023 season took place on Saturday, June 10th, and Stevenson's waterfront was transformed into a bustling hub of activity and community spirit. The location of the farmer's market added an extra charm, providing a picturesque backdrop for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., locals and visitors flocked to the waterfront to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the farmer's market. The event was brimming with excitement, offering a wide range of activities and goods for everyone to enjoy.
Lawn games are fun for the whole family! Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
“We got a lot of new games this year,” said Dana Hendricks, a volunteer at the market.
The farmer’s market also uses their funds to match SNAP and EBT dollars at the market.
Pharaoh Skinner, who runs the market said that she’s never seen the farmer’s market be this vibrant. Dana Hendricks
“The market has never been more vibrant,” said Skinner “This is all thanks to our volunteer base. Melissa and Jeff came in from Portland and brought the market magic with them. They’ve gotten a whole group of volunteers and added all these things that I couldn’t do by myself.”
Pharaoh Skinner and Dana Hendricks staffing the information booth at the market.
Skinner said that although the market is fuller than it’s been in previous years, there is still room to grow, especially in the area of produce. If you are interested in having a booth at the market contact Stevenson Farmer’s Market at Farmers.Market.Stevenson@gmail.com. The booth cost is $15 a day.
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
One of the highlights of the day was the abundance of fresh produce. Gorge local farmers showcased their finest vegetables, flowers, honey, and plant starts proudly displaying the fruits of their labor. Shoppers delighted in the opportunity to connect with the people behind their food, learning about sustainable farming practices and gaining a deeper appreciation for locally grown ingredients.
Dilish Farm out of Vancouver, WA was happy to be back at the market following the down time brought on by the covid-19 pandemic.
“We took a break after the spring of 2020 because it was right when covid happened and I just hated the markets at that time, they were just exhausting,” said Trish. “We’re going to try to be here every other week. There’s just two of us that run the entire farm and we have five kids and homeschool. So we can only do so many markets.”
A particularly unique addition to the market this year was the presence of craft mead from Melchemy. Craftsmen of this ancient beverage showcased their creations, allowing patrons to savor the sweet and complex flavors. This delightful surprise further enhanced the diversity of offerings and added a touch of sophistication to the event.
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
As families strolled through the market, children were drawn to the lawn games bubble machine, and interactive storytime that awaited them. Laughter filled the air as kids participated in friendly competitions, igniting their competitive spirits. Meanwhile, preschool kids were kept engaged with various activities tailored just for them, by Play Frontier, a nature play-based preschool with a focus on fostering creativity and imagination.
Play Frontier setting up a painting activity for kids. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Tabitha Wiggins talking to some interested young-ings about the Power of Produce program at the market. Kids get to plant a seed and come back every week to check how their seeds are doing. For every visit to the farmers market, kids receive a two dollar token to spend on fruit or veggies as well as a few other little items. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
For those seeking a taste of culinary delights, the farmer's market did not disappoint. Vendors offered an array of mouthwatering options, ranging from homemade baked goods from Go With Flow Baked goods to a savory Bigfoot approved chili. Food enthusiasts were enticed by the tempting aromas and flavors, savoring every bite.
“One bite is all it takes,” said Billy Snow, “This is a twenty year recipe.” Snow is a chili enthusiast, who has been perfecting his recipe for over twenty years. Prior to his chili making business he had a career as a photographer who worked alongside the world famous scenic photographer Ansel Adams before branching off into portrait photography. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Flo and Cornell serving up baked goodness at the Stevenson Farmer’s Market. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
European Peach Cookies by Go with Flo. Each cookie is made from shortbread and stuffed full of caramel, chocolate, peach jam, and rum. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Amidst the lively ambiance, the market resonated with the enchanting melodies of live music. Local musicians took to the stage to create an atmosphere of joy and merriment. The music added an extra layer of enchantment, enhancing the overall experience for all attendees. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Not limited to just food and entertainment, the farmer's market also catered to home decor enthusiasts, art appreciators, gardeners, and plant medicine seekers. Plant starts, flower essences from Hearty Soul Homestead, candles, houseplants, wreaths, and plant root terrariums from Dilish Farm, handcrafted woodworking, and more were all available for purchase, encouraging visitors to bring the beauty of nature into their homes and their lives. Garden enthusiasts eagerly explored the offerings, planning their next floral masterpiece or adding new green companions to their gardens.
Meg Hartley and Dana Price celebrating their first Stevenson Farmers Market
“It feels amazing. This is my jam. I’ve been a community builder for twenty plus years and getting to actually connect to the people that are my neighbors and bring food and joy to them,” said Hartley.
Hartley says they have a long list of produce that is coming soon to their booth. They also plan to help host holistic healing experiences to heal transgenerational trauma.
Harltey has a big heart for healing, and makes 20 different flower essences to help people seeking nature based healing for energetic and emotional transgenerational trauma and to cultivate a more empowered and sovereign livelihood.
“I do essences for boundary work or for sovereignty or for courage…” said Hartley, naming a few. “I have about 20 essences and I do it just to help folks heal on a very energetic, emotional, level.”
“I have a class at Cascade Locks Elementary that uses them to calm the class. They spray the essences around the classroom, they call it their “chill spray” and they do it during and after lunch periods. And the kids ask for it! That one's rose and white yarrow.”
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
A particularly unique addition to the market this year was the presence of craft mead from Melchemy. Craftsmen of this ancient beverage showcased their creations, allowing patrons to savor the sweet and complex flavors. This delightful surprise further enhanced the diversity of offerings and added a touch of sophistication to the event.
Tim O’Malley of Melchemy Craft Mead, located near Carson, WA pours a sample of thier small batch barrel aged meads that offer a taste of the Columbia River Gorge.
“We wildcraft most of our ingredients locally and we get all of our honey locally,” said O’Malley.
The result is a sense of place in a bottle thanks to locally picked fruits, berries, and local honey sources.
The mead itself is on the dryer side.
“Most meads are pretty sweet but we do a dryer version,” said O’Malley.
“They're a little stronger than table wine at fifteen and a half percent,” said O’Malley.
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Overall, the first farmer's market of the 2023 season proved to be a resounding success. The waterfront location added an extra allure to the already popular event, attracting a larger crowd and fostering a sense of place and a stronger sense of community. The combination of vibrant activities, fresh produce, delectable food, and enchanting music created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that will be remembered fondly until the next market day.
As the season continues, locals and visitors can look forward to more vibrant celebrations, supporting local farmers, artisans, and musicians while enjoying the best that Stevenson has to offer.
For more information about the market visit: StevensonFarmersMarket.com.
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