After two years of pushing through restrictions and limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live music will return to the Port Townsend Farmers’ Market in its 30th year, along with many other perks. At 9 a.m. on April 2, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Mayor David Faber will cut a red ribbon to welcome the market back in full swing with a performance by groups like the Unexpected Brass Band, a local New Orleans-style ensemble.

30 years ago, the market was a modest affair. In 1992, a handful of farmers and makers began meeting in the Elevated Ice Cream parking lot to sell their goods, moving here or there down Water Street before making Tyler Street in Uptown their long-term home in 2003. This year, the Jefferson County Famers’ Market launches again on Tyler Street.

Fear not — the goats will also be returning. The Ground Control Goats (“glam rock/space themed” as noted in their official job description) will grace the Port Townsend Farmers’ Market with a parade, along with the return of live music with performances from Unexpected Brass Band and Harmonica Pocket, a story-time with the Port Townsend Library, and over 80 vendors selling produce, meat, cheese, hard cider, wine, baked goods, and more.

Also returning to the market is the Hopscotch Farm and Cannery. Meghan Mix grows vegetables and perennials on two small plots in town and for three years, she’s been bringing her products to the Saturday market, both fresh and canned. She started her farm in 2017 with an interest in feeding her community. Introduce yourself and take home some preserves when you stop by her table April 2. Mix and dozens of fellow makers will turn out for this long-awaited event.

This will also be the second year that JCFM offers the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Start-Up Business Fund, which provides modest grants of $500 to $1,500 to qualified businesses in hopes of including more BIPOC vendors in the market. These grants have been helpful for purchasing supplies, obtaining mobile equipment if necessary, and any other costs associated with getting things off the ground, like ordering signage. The market is a great place for fledgling companies to get their feet wet, making these grants go a long way. Ongoing applications for the BIPOC Start-Up Business Fund can be found at jcfmarkets.org.

The community is encouraged to come to Uptown for the 30th season opening of the Port Townsend Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, on Tyler Street near Aldrich’s. Folks can enjoy live music once again, greet friends and neighbors, and pick up groceries direct from the farmers who grew them. For more details visit jcfmarkets.org.