By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director
July 6th was a record breaking day for us at the Tillamook Farmers Market. More than 3,000 people visited the market over the course of the day – probably even more than that. It was a holiday weekend and there were ample people in town enjoying the 4th of July activities and record low tides, and a good portion of them also stopped by the Farmers Market to patronize our local, small business owners and area farmers.
Statistics show that a high percentage of people who travel will visit a local farmers market while they’re traveling. Having a thriving, interesting and lively market in a community is a great way to draw in travelers and visitors and give them a reason to stop and enjoy our area. It’s also a great spot for locals, and here are just a few reasons why you should consider stopping by the Farmers Market on Saturdays:
- Live Music. Many of our musicians playing this season would require some sort of cover charge to see in any other venue. This is your chance to enjoy these talented folks for free from 12 – 1 every Saturday.
- Kids Activities. We’ve expanded the kids section this year to include more than just corn hole and Connect Four. Every Saturday you can find some kind of free, hands-on activity for kids – from rock painting, seed plating, veggie stamping and paint a pot. To find out what’s happening on any given Saturday follow the Tillamook Farmers Market on Facebook. Kids activities can be found near the HQ Trailer – usually near the center of Market or tucked back next to the trailer under a tent if it’s rainy.
- Food Hero Program. The Food Hero program offered by OSU Extension is back and this time they’re sticking around for the full season. You can find them under the blue tent offering all kinds of food experiments and tastings for kids. Those who participate get a $2 ‘Kids Buck’ to purchase fruits, vegetables or honey. These Kids Bucks are sponsored by TLC Fibre Credit Union.
- More than 50 unique vendors. We’ve really worked hard on growing the number of vendors at the Market this year and if you haven’t been in awhile I think you’ll be surprised by the amount of unique, hand-made and artistic items you can find on any given Saturday. We have fresh produce, plant starts for your garden, baked goods, hand-crafted furniture, fresh cut flowers, honey, tie dye, and everything in between. Come for lunch, enjoy the music and grab some one-of-a-kind gifts.
The Market runs every Saturday from 9 – 2 in front of the Tillamook County Courthouse until Sept. 28. Be sure to like Tillamook Farmers Market on Facebook for all the latest news and activities. And, a big thank you to this year’s sponsors including TLC Fibre Credit Union, Bizeau Dentistry, the Tillamook Revitalization Association, Sheltered Nook on Tillamook Bay, Guild Mortgage and Food Roots.