The Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market ended for the season Nov. 25, but I thought I’d write one more column to close out the season, and then will take a break until April, a month before we open for 2018.
This was a remarkable year for our farmers’ market in a number of ways. One was the weather. I wonder how rare it was that not a drop of rain fell on either market the whole season. Last year, by all accounts, the storms were relentless and seemed to fall every weekend. Be it climate change, or just great luck, it was a dry, sunny year and the market benefitted by having a more consistent crowd each Saturday and a bigger group of weekly vendors.
Another change which was huge for us was a dedicated parking aisle. For this we must thank the city council and the planning department, who rallied for us and made it happen, despite parking challenges all over town. Having a dedicated aisle meant we had no complaints at all regarding parking, unlike previous years. It gave customers easy access to their vehicles so they could buy bags full and easily transport it. Needless to say, this was a win/win for all concerned, and it made a big difference to our overall attendance.
As the new manager this year I put effort into building our vendor base and bringing in new and different farmers, food producers and craftspeople, making many longtime customers happy, and giving all who came to the market a great variety to choose from.
Combined, these elements meant we had a very strong year and are breathing a sigh of relief. Those of you reading this are likely Healdsburg Farmers’ Market fans, and I would like to say none of this would be the case if it weren’t for your support.
Our regular market shoppers and the wonderful City of Healdsburg are the wind beneath our wings, as the song goes. I never knew a farmers’ market could be so revered by a community, but I have felt the love since day one, and it has never wavered.
So I am writing to say thank you to all of you who have helped us and helped me this year. 2018 will be our 40th year. I’m excited to be at the helm and promise I’m just getting started making this the best it can be.
I hope your holidays are filled with joy and we see you next spring.
Janet Ciel is the manager of the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market. She can be reached at ma*****@he*********************.org.
