It’s a glorious time of year for our farmers, as they’re coming into their peak growing season. All spring and summer long they’ve been tending their late summer/fall crops, and they’re finally ready to bring them to market, in all their perfection.
It was this that caused farmer Lou Preston, of Preston Farms and Winery to ask me why we were closing the Tuesday market at the end of August, right at prime harvest time. I explained the arrangement; we were connected to the music series, and once that ended, we were meant to as well.
Lou didn’t like this answer and took it upon himself to contact the city and ask why the Tuesday market had to close so early in the season.
The day before our final market I got an email from our city liaison asking if we wanted to extend the dates. Yes! I replied, without even thinking about it. I took it to the vendors the next day, and a few had conflicts so couldn’t continue, but the majority were on board. The merchants were as well, and customers cheered at the possibility.
Hence the Tuesday-on-the Plaza Farmers’ Market will continue through September, and possibly October. What’s the “possibly” about?
Although we’re thrilled at this affirmation of the market’s appeal to the community, it needs to translate into dollars for us to remain open longer than the month of September.
Our vendors pay a commission, so the amount they make keeps us afloat. We closed the Wednesday market last year a month early because it was losing money. We don’t want to go that direction with this market, so customers coming and shopping will determine our longevity this year.
If you haven’t yet been, there are many reasons to check it out. Besides an abundance of just-picked, locally grown produce, there’s fresh seafood, handmade chocolate, pastries, dates, mushroom jerky, oils and vinegar, lovely crafts, as well as made-to-order sandwiches, salads and fruity concoctions from our food truck, Fruity Moto.
The stalls all line the edge of the Plaza, under the trees, so it’s a lovely market to shop. We have live music on the gazebo stage each week. In upcoming weeks you’ll hear Avalanche, a violin and guitar duo, local favorite Chris Herrod, and New Skye, a wonderful collection of talented musicians covering folk and blues classics.
I have to give huge accolades to the city of Healdsburg, the city council, the city manager and his team, as well as all the businesses surrounding us on the Plaza.
I don’t know of any other town that supports its farmers and their market the way this city does. Beyond the upscale hotels, restaurants and wineries, Healdsburg has never let go of its agricultural essence. This means the world to me, and to all our vendors.
Over and over again I hear from customers how much they love this market, and it fills my heart with joy. Thank you to all who have been supporting it. Now that I know it’s a hit, I can make it even better next year.
I’ll see you at the market.
Janet Ciel is the manager of the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market. She can be reached at ma*****@he*********************.org.
