When Charly Robinson looks at rows of booths, lined up exactly how she envisioned, with the sun pouring in and morning shoppers meandering through, she knows it’s going to be a good day.
This is Robinson’s second year as manager of the Orcas Farmers Market, and she feels like a seasoned pro.
“Last year was an affirmation that this community is really supportive of the farmers market,” she said. “And the market is such a pleasant community to work with. Last year I had a little more stress than I will this year.”
The first market of the season is on Saturday, May 1, and its boasts more than 30 vendors (slightly more than last year), selling seasonal produce, jewelry, felting, soap and lotion, pottery, glassware, clothing, woodworking, and lunch items like oysters, falafel, and pizza. The market, open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., runs until the end of September on the Village Green, and then moves into Oddfellows Hall, where it will be until Thanksgiving.
There are four new booths in jewelry, produce, flowers, and gourmet popcorn.
Every Saturday through the summer, Bullocks Permaculture Homestead is presenting a half-hour workshop on such topics as bee keeping, basketry, and plant propagation. Check the farm’s booth for a full schedule.
Also new this year is a food stamp program.
“People can come to market with their EBT card, and we’ll have a processing machine,” Robinson said. “They swipe the card and give them a coupon, which they can use that day for produce. We won’t have it available for the first market, but my goal is the end of May. I am excited.”
During the Bite of Orcas on May 29 and the Orcas Library Fair on Aug. 14, the market is moving into the street – part of North Beach Road will be blocked off to accommodate booths.
While Robinson doesn’t have any bands scheduled to play, she says music often “happens organically” with impromptu jam sessions. If anyone is interested in scheduling a performance during market hours, call Robinson at 472-1522 or email charlyarr@hotmail.com. The market has a website, www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org, and is on Facebook.
While there are more crafts than produce stands, the edible bounty is plentiful any time of the season. From now until summer, veggie lovers can enjoy kale, salad greens, radishes, and green onions. Then it’s time for tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, garlic, and herbs.
“In the summertime, you name it, people have it,” Robinson said.
Robinson says the market is a well oiled machine.
“Everyone is so lovely to work with, it never seems like a challenge,” she said. “It’s like a big puzzle with lots of pieces that come together over the season.”
Sustainable Living Fair to coincide with first market
Discover more about a sustainable lifestyle at the Sustainable Living Fair on Orcas Island, Saturday, May 1 at the Village Green in Eastsound, followed by field trips the next day.
Admission to the fair is free; field trip fees vary from free to affordable. The weekend’s events are planned annually by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans and Sustainable Orcas Island.
See displays and informational booths from a wide variety of organizations and businesses committed to creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable San Juan Islands. Russel Barsh of the Lopez Island-based research and educational organization Kwiaht will speak on the fascinating creatures of Eastsound’s Fishing Bay and Indian Island. Lincoln Borman, Executive Director of the Land Bank, will talk about the opportunities for agriculture on pastoral Land Bank properties.
A highlight of the fair is this year’s recipients of the “Finnies,” the Good Steward Awards. They recognize individuals, families, and businesses that have made a significant impact on the conservation, preservation, and protection of the San Juan Archipelago.
Sunday’s field trips will be a chance to see sustainable techniques in action and a time to get out and experience Orcas Island and surrounding waters. Field trips include a kayaking expedition to Yellow Island, a tour of the Bullock’s permaculture homestead, an interpretive walk around Indian Island, a hike on Turtleback Mountain and a boating and hiking trip to explore the geology of Sucia Island.
For more information, visit the Stewardship Network website at www.stewardshipsjc.org
