CHIMACUM — Thirty area vendors — more than any in the market’s history — are expected to sell food and art at the Chimacum Farmers Market when it opens on Sunday.
The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chimacum Corner Farmstand for the opening of its 14th season.
The market has shifted location to accommodate market growth this season, said Amanda Milholland, director of the Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM).
It will be back on the grass next to the Chimacum Corner Farmstand nursery and picnic area.
“This market location is a blast from the past as it was the original location of the market when it made the move from the Chimacum Grange to the Corner Store to increase visibility,” Milholland said.
It had been relocated for the same reason — to increase visibility by putting it in the Chimacum Corner parking lot at the intersection of Rhody Drive and Chimacum Road.
“Yes, the market did capture new shoppers in its parking lot location. However, the welcoming atmosphere of the grassy area was lost,” Milholland said.
“The JCFM is excited to try out the new/old location again with a larger vendor base and more market day colorful flags to catch shopper attention.”
Live music also is back this season with support from a grant from the Jefferson County Lodging Tax.
JCFM Music Coordinator Matt Sircely has scheduled a mix of local and regional music for the Chimacum Farmers Market, Milholland said.
Operated by the nonprofit JCFM, the Chimacum market brings together farms, prepared and value-added food, as well as arts vendors.
The market was started by the Chimacum Grange in 2008 and was adopted by JCFM in 2010 to support the market’s stability and growth.
Over the years, the market has had between 10 and 20 participating vendors with products ranging from fresh seasonal produce to pasture-raised meat, and from sushi to pottery and jewelry.
“This season, JCFM has experienced growth at both its Port Townsend and Chimacum farmers markets with a total of 90-plus combined vendors, Milholland said.
“While all 90 will not be at the market on any given date, this growth is substantial after two seasons of reduced market size due to COVID-19,” she added.
Last year, a total of 65 vendors participated in the Port Townsend Farmers Market and 20 in the Chimacum Farmers Market with no more than 40 attending in Port Townsend and 18 in Chimacum on any one day.
