CHIMACUM — The last Chimacum Farmers Market of the season will be on Sunday, when the closing will be marked with a special Halloween celebration.
Jefferson County Farmers Markets (JCFM) will host the conclusion of the 14th year of the market’s operation with pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating with vendors, piglets from Egg and I Pork and live music by Bobby Winstead and Jack Dwyer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot and on the grass at Chimacum Corner Farmstand, 9122 Rhody Drive.
Amanda Milholland, director of Jefferson County Farmers Markets, said this year has been one of recovery for the markets the nonprofit oversees in Port Townsend, Brinnon, Tri-Area and Chimacum.
Specifically speaking about the Chimacum Farmers Market, Milholland said it welcomed its largest number of vendors yet at the beginning of its season in June with a total of 29 participating in opening day.
“We are excited to see our Chimacum Market grow this season,” Milholland said in a press release.
“We moved the market into a new location at Chimacum Corner Farmstand this year to support the market growth and give shoppers and musicians a welcoming place to gather … It was uplifting to see new small businesses launch themselves this season” at the Chimacum market.
New market farmers, including Kodama Farm and Lonely Pines Farm, joined returning farm vendors Three Peas, Red Dog, Creaky Knees, Duckabush Mushrooms, Foggy Hog and Soft Step farms.
Sweet Blossom Bakery, Jamie’s Green Cuisine and Colibri, all new vendors, added to the diversity of food and art/crafts with goods ranging from sustainably packaged home and body care products to vegan and gluten-free meals.
In addition to growth in vendor participation, the market experienced sales growth with a total of $128,000 in vendor sales as of mid-October, Milholland said.
The markets are nearing the end of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for the 2022 season, she said.
FMNP provides farmers market vouchers to families who receive Women, Infants and Children nutritional benefits as well as to income-qualifying seniors. The vouchers can be spent with market farmers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Jefferson County Farmers Markets through Monday.
The matching $5 tokens given by JCFM to seniors and families can be spent at the market through the end of the season on any food produced by a local farm.
The Port Townsend Farmers Market in the 600 block of Tyler Street will switch from regular season hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to winter hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5. The market itself will continue on Tyler Street through Dec. 17.
Also wrapping up at the end of October will be the market live music program in Port Townsend. But buskers will be welcome. They are asked to check in at the market information booth to be directed to a good place to play, Milholland said.
For more information, see jcfmarkets.org or contact Milholland at info@jcfmarkets.org.
