What’s New at the Market: Good news, OTA and fresh flowers

By April Hammerand For the Sequim Gazette • August 14, 2019 1:30 am

Sequim Farmers Market

Open: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Location: Sequim Civic Center Plaza, downtown Sequim

More info: manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218

In July, the Sequim Farmers Market officially became a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. To celebrate, we invite everyone to a ribbon cutting celebration at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 17.

The mission of the Sequim Farmers Market is to support sustainable agriculture, small businesses, youth and nonprofit organizations on the Olympic Peninsula, ultimately strengthening our local economy. The market provides a vibrant market venue where local farms and artisans can connect directly with our community, offering access to healthy food, educational programs, local art and culture.

Previous farmers market leadership explored the idea of the market applying to become a nonprofit, but why now? The most significant changes are the excellent programs that have recently been introduced by Elli Rose (2018 Farmers Market Manger).

We are very grateful for Elli’s diligence in creating and establishing the EBT, SNAP, food assistance matching programs, Kids and Senior Days as well as developing relationships with WSU Extension, Olympic View Community Foundation and so much more.

The board of directors also started planning events that bring people together and created a venue where local service organizations have the opportunity to reach out to a part of the community they may not otherwise have been able to access.

We would like to thank State Rep. Mike Chapman and Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias, both of whom wrote letters on our behalf supporting our efforts.

Performers, flowers

Are you looking for local, fresh cut flowers? Emily’s Flowers is back at the Sequim Farmers Market every weekend offering beautiful bouquets from her farm. The large arrangements have flowers like chrysanthemum, daisy, and lily to name a few. This time of year, she also has fresh blueberries and raspberries.

Come early this weekend and see a performance from Olympic Theatre Arts Children’s Theater. From 9:30-10:30 a.m., Fred the Dragon will be on hand to perform poetry along with several other actors in “The Reluctant Dragon.” The sneak preview introduces the poetry-loving Dragon and the importance of friendship. Fred will also announce the poetry contest winners. “The Reluctant Dragon” runs Aug. 23-25, and Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

The live music series continues with The Old Sidekicks. They are a bluegrass and country band known for their three and four part vocal harmonies and just the right blend of talent and foolishness. All the members are long time Sequim residents and enjoy the majesty of the Olympic Peninsula. With their toe tappin’, foot stompin’, knee slappin’, hand clappin’, finger snappin’, sound and humor, they are a delight to watch.

A special thanks to Bell & Davis Law and BrokersGroup Real Estate for supporting the Sequim Farmers Market.

April Hammerand is the Market Manager for the Sequim Farmers Market. Reach her at manager@sequim market.com or 360-582-6218. For more information, visit www.sequimmarket.com.