By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director
Saturdays are bustling in downtown Tillamook, and if you’re in the mood for something fun (and family-friendly) to do, try checking out the Tillamook Farmers Market from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. With live music, fun games, delicious food and nearly 50 unique vendors, it’s a good way to spend an afternoon. You never know what you might find from week-to-week, or what fun activity is taking place.
This Saturday, Art Accelerated is hosting a sketch crawl with Dennis Worrel. What’s a sketch crawl? It’s when artists gather in a single place with their art supplies and sketch what’s happening around them. Art Accelerated will also host the Community Table to meet people and talk more about their program. Every week we feature a different non-profit or organization that does good work in the community at our Community Table. It’s free for them to use the space, and provides a chance to raise awareness about their work and reach new people. If you’re interested in hosting the Community Table before the season is over, email sayde@tillamookchamber.org or visit tillamookfarmersmarket.com to see what dates are available.
The July 21st market wraps up the Food Hero program, hosted by OSU Extension and sponsored in part by TLC Fibre Credit Union. Each week they’ve been engaging youth in fun activities and games that promote healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and in turn those who participate get a free $2 voucher to spend at the market. On average, we’ve seen 50 or more kids each Saturday – both new and returning – to take part in this program and get their $2 Kids Bucks.
While the six-week Food Hero program is coming to a close, we will still be offering fun activities for kids and incentives to keep them eating healthy while at the Market. Just go see River and Sayde at the Market HQ Trailer to learn more.
And while you’re over on that end of the market, check out the Corn Hole board and giant Connect Four game we have set up each week. We’ll be adding more fun games as the season progresses – sos tay tuned.
This week we’re also starting to sell Tillamook Farmers Market travel coffee mugs. They come in two different colors and we’ll even fill it up with a piping hot cup of coffee courtesy of Five Rivers Coffee Roasters. Bring it back in the following weeks and enjoy a free refill at the HQ Trailer.
We are also excited to bring back the Chef’s Table, starting July 28th. This interactive booth will feature local chefs and live demonstrations as they utilize market products to create culinary masterpieces. There will be free samples, opportunities to participate for both kids and adults, and you’ll discover great new ways to take the products you buy at Market and turn them into delicious meals or snacks for the whole family. Be sure to watch our website and the Tillamook Farmers Market Facebook page for further announcements about dates, times and which of our area chef’s will be participating.
The Chef’s Table is graciously sponsored by Crave the Coast, happening on Sept. 29 in Garibaldi. Crave the Coast is a coast-to-tale food festival that celebrates the region’s natural and plentiful bounty and the talented individuals who utilize local ingredients to create amazing cuisine and unique products.
There’s always something new to check out at the Tillamook Farmers Market. (I haven’t even mentioned the wide array of live music we’ve enjoyed so far – with more talented musical acts headed our way as the season progresses.) Be sure to follow us on Facebook, and better yet, head downtown on Saturdays form 9 – 2 and support local farmers and small business owners.