A huge weekly event in Agassiz is on its way back this year.
The Agassiz Farm Fresh Market is currently taking vendor applications for the upcoming season. This summer is set to mark the first time in two years that shoppers can browse the open-air market with a broad variety of wares, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, baked goods and ever-popular artisan items.
The board consists of Heather Redmond Sutton, Amy Wheeler, Jessica Kamper and new member Mark McLaughlin of Timberfield’s Farm. The Farm Fresh Market is entirely volunteer-run, from the board members to the set-up crew.
Coming back after two years has been a daunting task, Wheeler and Redmond Sutton said. In addition to wrestling with COVID-19 regulations and the tasks of everyday busy life, the board had some equipment damaged or lost last year. Volunteers had to move equipment from the Aberdeen building as it was under renovations. As a result, items had to be stored in their homes, some of which were flooded during November’s disastrous atmospheric river.
Given the exceptionally positive reception from vendors and the public, the board was determined to get it right when the time came to return, even if it meant waiting until this year.
“It wasn’t for lack of us wanting to (come back),” Wheeler said. “We all really agonized, especially last year, over it. If we’re going to do it, we want to do it properly.”
Redmond Sutton said the excitement for this year’s market is almost tangible.
“It’s been really nice to hear from some of our old vendors and from people who loved shopping at the market before and just some of the relief and happiness that we’re back,” she said. “That’s compounded by all the happiness and excitement that people are feeling that things are kind of getting a little bit more normal. It’s a nice atmosphere to be heading into.”
The Agassiz Farm Fresh Market runs every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from June 23 to Sept. 1. along Pioneer Avenue. Applications for vendors are now open, and this year, the market is accepting weekly kids’ vendors for children aged 16 and under for a maximum of two markets each.
Backyard gardener spots are also available for those who end up with an overabundance of produce from their home gardens.
“We know that there’s high food prices this year especially, and we’re just trying to encourage people who have extra to try and share it within the community,” Wheeler said.
The board is finalizing plans with the District of Kent to provide entertainment for the Kid’s Zone. Redmond Sutton said the district has been supportive and collaborative throughout the return of the market.
The market organizers are always looking for volunteers to help with setup and breakdown each week as well as musical acts for outdoor entertainment.
Vendor applications and more information are available online at www.agassizfarmfreshmarket.com. The market board can be reached by emailing agassizfarmfreshmarket@gmail.com.