Desperately Seeking Summer

Thanks to all the vendors and customers that turned out in spite of the crazy weather on Saturday. Just as my family and I sat down to dig into our lunches, big, fat snowflakes started to fall steadily and the temperatures seemed to dip at least five degrees. Luckily, the snow came in spurts and left windows of opportunity for folks to enjoy the market.

Ironically, last weekend's weather actually highlights the topic I had been meaning to talk about in this blog - namely to address the question, "Where are the farmers?" Apparently the Market booth gets several questions/comments regarding the perceived imbalance of crafters to farmers this time of year. Well, the quick answer is that the farmers are out there waiting for Mother Nature to give their crops a break. Traditionally, the farmers return to the market in full-force by the third weekend of May. However, given the chilly spring and wet weather we've been experiencing, some of the produce may be showing up a little later this season.

And for those of you that are concerned that there are more crafters/food processors than farmers, the Bellingham Farmer's Market Membership Committee works hard to guarantee that over 50% of the booths are dedicated to farming. The beauty of the market this time of year is that the booths dedicated to unique crafts, delicious food and community information help draw people to the farmers that do have produce to offer. Last Saturday there were mushrooms, plant starts and a wide variety of greens available at several farmer's booths.

Hopefully the sun will soon decide to come to the party and stay so we can anticipate the arrival of more of our farmers and the great produce they have to offer!