Homer Farmers Market: Celebrating 20 years

Correction: The Homer Farmers Market hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The spring weather has been so good to us this year that we may feel as though the Homer Farmers Market opening day has been far too long in coming. But as always, the market is opening on Memorial Day weekend. Finally.

There is, however, something extra special about this particular year. The Homer Farmers Market is celebrating its 20th year in operation. For two decades now dedicated farmers have been showing their talent at our little market.

Of course, we can’t call it a little market anymore. Even though the first year only had a few tables and a sign that claimed it to be a farmers market, we now have typically 40 vendors a week and a full parking lot.

There are lots of reasons why it has grown to be the successful Market it has while others have failed. More than anything, it was the vision of the original participants who wanted to create something reminiscent of an Amish market. They wanted to see not only home-grown produce, but also the kind of crafts that would also come off the farm.

Our Farmers Market has just the perfect amount of diversity between craft vendors, produce vendors, and food vendors. It makes it a great place to go and buy food for the day or for the week or for the moment while at the same time collecting crafts and other artisan projects that you can take home.

All of this together makes for a place for everyone to get what they need from the most local source possible. Supporting local has been the goal of the farmers market since day one, and now it’s transmitted to all of the faithful customers who support them every week. The Market is now known as the jumping off place for anyone who wants to try a new local business.

So head on down to the Homer Farmers Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Ocean Drive. Not only will you be supporting the local farmers this year, you will also be seeing lots of options for celebrating their 20th birthday. Join the celebration.

Kyra Wagner is the coordinator of Sustainable Homer and the Homer Farmers Market’s biggest fan.