The 32nd annual Port Townsend Farmers Market opens Saturday, April 6, with the Jefferson County Farmers Markets cutting a red ribbon, ringing a cowbell and parading goats through uptown Tyler Street.

The nonprofit Jefferson County Farmers Markets operates the Port Townsend and Chimacum farmers markets to support local farmers and artisans by cultivating their communities and providing access to healthy food for all.

On Saturdays from April through mid-December, the Jefferson County Farmers Markets brings 50 to 80 farm, artisan food and arts businesses to Tyler Street for the Port Townsend Farmers Market.

The schedule for April 6 starts with a gathering at 8:45 a.m. at the intersection of Tyler and Lawrence streets for a group photo by Sarah Wright Photography followed by an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting at 8:50 a.m. A goat parade with music by Kristin and Otto Smith at 9:10 a.m. will set the stage for the Port Townsend Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Amanda Milholland, executive director of the Jefferson County Farmers Markets, told The Leader that more than 100 vendors and nearly 1,000 community members participated in the JCFM’s community survey last fall. “Excitement for everything our markets bring, as well as the desire for more prepared food and diverse farm products, came through in survey responses loud and clear,” Milholland said.

Among the vendors’ survey responses, they concurred that the top three ways the Jefferson County Farmers Markets support vendor businesses are by drawing crowds, offering affordable market space, and providing public awareness and marketing.

Among the farmers markets’ most valued programs are their food access, live music, weekly newsletter and free vendor business development, according to surveyed vendors, who went on to inform the survey that their biggest challenges to participate in the farmers markets include building a local shopper base, increasing their sales and inclement weather.

“There is a high demand for a covered, permanent home for the Port Townsend Farmers Market,” said Milholland, adding that priority future projects for vendors would include reviving mid-week farmers markets, expanding its kids program, plus expanding to other parts of Jefferson County.

Among survey respondents in the community, the primary way they learn about the local farmers markets is through word of mouth, so Milholland asked community members to help rebuild that local shopping base in the wake of COVID, by inviting friends and family to join them for Saturdays at the markets.

Community members informed the survey that what brought them out to the farmers markets is their desire to connect with the rest of the community, support local farms and vendors, purchase from specific vendors, and take in live music. Results also reflected the belief that Jefferson County Farmers Markets benefit the community by supporting local small businesses, keeping their dollars in the local economy and increasing the community’s access to fresh food.

When community members were asked by the survey to name their future priorities for the Jefferson County Farmers Markets, they listed expanding their hours of operation and food access programs, as well as diversifying the locally grown and made products.

Community members also concurred with vendors about reviving mid-week farmers markets and establishing a permanently covered Port Townsend Farmers Market.

Milholland announced that 11 businesses would be making their Port Townsend Farmers Market debuts this year, with Ground Control Goats bringing farm-inspired art, while Jefferson County chef Li Ying Jing serves up homemade Chinese dumplings, dim sum and snacks that are vegetarian, gluten-free and all organic.

Milholland added that Nature Girl's Achers, a sustainably run farm and homestead west of Port Angeles, will bring eggs, honey, beeswax products and a sourdough starter, while the Fig and Otter Farm, returning after a season away from the market, will bring fresh flowers.

“And from the Friendly Nettle, Jefferson County chef Hans Barr will be offering japchae, which is cold Korean sweet potato noodles, featuring local vegetables,” Milholland said.