As the rain begins to drop heavy on Orcas Island and winds of autumn start to brew, farmers are finding their customers indoors this fall.

Market manager Charly Robinson explains the Orcas Island Farmers’ Market will continue at the Odd Fellows Hall on Saturdays Oct. 24 and 31, Nov. 7 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 “A lot of this stuff is what people can store all winter long,” Robinson said of the produce still available.

Robinson says farmers are currently selling large amounts of winter storage foods including apples, corn, greens, root veggies, mushrooms, garlic, and pumpkins.

Deborah Darner of Wild Rose LTD has been selling her products at the farmers’ market for 18 years. She likes the new scene at the Odds Hall.

“It’s good for the heart,” Darner said. “I see all my friends and get to watch the kids grow up. We’re getting really vital, fresh food we can’t get anywhere else.”

Darner, a massage therapist and aromatherapist, says herbalism fits right in to the farmers’ market. Darner is glad people are responding to the indoor venue and predicts tremendous produce available for the next two months.

If the Orcas Farmers’ Market is any indication, islanders are already thinking of the holidays.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, Darner’s shoppers were already gathering their gift ideas, testing samples of body products and remedies in heady scents of cedar, rose, and lavender.

Christina and Bruce Orchid of Red Rabbit Farm have sold case sizes of their products to customers who will give them as holiday gifts. Christina says their products, like ginger-pear butter, black currant jelly, green tomato chutney, and cookhouse ketchup, are desirable gifts to give because they are Orcas grown and made. 

“On Orcas, the farm to table concept is really working,” Christina said.

Christina takes advantage of seasonal produce in her own cooking. She says it has been a fabulous year for tomatoes, apples, and pears. She believes this year’s bounty is a testament to the heritage farms of Orcas. They paved the way for islanders to now be able to buy what they consume according to the season and grown close to home.

George Orser of Orcas Farm says the farmers are not nearly finished.

“Much of their stuff is still coming on at the end of September, so we need an outlet,” he said.

There is still time for Orcas farmers and venders to sell at the market. Venders who make their own products on the island can contact the market at 376-7660.

Market shoppers can also get a hot lunch of Vietnamese food at Mai Lan’s downstairs at the Odd Fellows.

With Thanksgiving on the way, farmers agree that the makings of the holiday meal, including squash, onions, leeks, and potatoes, can be found at the Odd Fellows Hall.

 “A Thanksgiving with all local produce is totally possible here,” Robinson said.