o What: 20th season ended Sunday.
o What’s next: Holiday market happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
o Next season: Opens March 19, 2011.
o Website: http://www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com
Two decades have flashed by for the Vancouver Farmers Market, and Washougal’s Mary Kaminsky, 91, was there when it all started.
She remembers the fledgling market under the brick arches on downtown’s Fifth Street.
Kaminsky said Sunday was her last day as a volunteer bookkeeper.
“I need the market and they need me,” Kaminsky said. “It’s been a long wonderful relationship.”
She said the progress the market has made is impressive.
“The newer vendors are very ambitious and they have excellent products. They have to be juried in to meet our standards,” she said.
o What: 20th season ended Sunday.
o What's next: Holiday market happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
o Next season: Opens March 19, 2011.
o Website: http://www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com
Those early markets might have had 65 vendors and a Saturday crowd might have attracted 1,500 shoppers, Kaminsky said.
This year, the number of vendors eclipsed 200 on some days, with crowds as big as 20,000 on busy Saturdays.
Kaminsky said she’s retiring from her post because she lives on the Upper Washougal River and the drive has become a concern.
“I’ve enjoyed every weekend, even the rain,” said Kaminsky, noting she’s been a bookkeeper all her life, including working many years for the Bank of Newport in Oregon.
While Kaminsky is saying goodbye, Market Manager Jordan Boldt, 27, is celebrating the end of his first season. Previously, he worked as market manager in Washougal.
He said the Vancouver market is more than just booths: “It’s much more of a community gathering place.”
He added, “A lot of people have been excited to be back shopping locally.”
Joy Lyons of Vancouver was at the market on Halloween dressed like a Cirque du Soleil dancer. Her husband, Craig Lyons, appeared as a magician, and daughters Macy, 3, and Jenna 6, were Minnie Mouse and a cowgirl, respectively.
“We come down to the market almost every Sunday,” Joy Lyons said. “The girls like to see Miss Muffet (a clown). … I know it’s the last day, and I’m going to miss it.”
The market returns March 19.
Michelle Rilling of Vancouver watched as her girls, Natalie, 3, and Kira, 5, headed to the play equipment in the adjoining park.
“We love the market and Esther Short Park,” Rilling said. “We love the fresh local produce and the vendors, and looking at crafts and getting the community together.”
Vendors satisfied
Dan Power and wife Nicki have been at the market for eight years. Their business, Salmon Creek Botanicals, sells natural lotions and creams, some of them made to relieve pain.
“Good market. Lots of people. We sell a lot. People treat us well,” Dan Power said, adding that he and Nicki will be back next year.
At the next booth, Allan Berry of Vancouver said he, too, has been at the market for eight years and will be back next year. He sells The Garlic Lady products and Vibe cocktail mixes.
Vendors pay an average of $40 a booth per day.
Expansion in the east?
Boldt, the market manager, said that for two months the market has held a market on Evergreen Public Schools land at 13501 N.E. 28th St. He said crowds have been small, with about 15 vendors, but the market’s board of directors will discuss expanding at the spot next year. Half the proceeds at the east market go to scholarships for Evergreen students.
What might be new in 2011 on Esther Street?
“We hope there will be more opportunities for customers to get involved through cooking demonstrations, education programs and special events,” Boldt said.
