Feature Story
Dayton Farmers' Market Hopes to Expand Hours
Dayton and Waitsburg area residents won't have to drive to Walla Walla this summer to buy fresh locally-grown produce. The Dayton Farmers' Market will open its 2009 season in early summer – the exact date will depend on the weather and when the vendors have produce ready to harvest. Last year, the market opened on Fathers' Day Weekend.
A number of changes are being considered for the 2009 season. The first is staying open later on Friday. "Last year several people asked us if we would be open later on Friday evening," says market organizer, Mary Alice Beatty. "Lots of people work in Walla Walla or don't get off work in time to make it to the market by 6:00 p.m."
Donna Helsius sells flowers at last year's market.
Adding a Saturday morning market is also being considered. "A Saturday market would be more convenient for vendors who work full-time at another job and garden on the side," notes Beatty.
One thing that won't change is the location on the Seneca administration building lawn at East Main and Sixth Street. "We moved to Seneca last year," says Donna Helsius, one of the market organizers. "We're so fortunate to have such a wonderful, shady location with excellent parking."
According to Beatty, seven vendors, selling everything from common fruits and vegetables to cut flower bouquets, freshly ground whole wheat flour to local honey, participated last year. "We hope to increase the number of vendors this year," says Beatty.
Pam Granath shops for apples from a market vendor.
Anyone interested in selling fresh locally-grown food is invited to join the market. No membership fee is required, but the cost to participate is five dollars per session. A casual backyard gardener with extra produce to sell is as welcome as a "serious" grower with acres in production.
An organizational meeting to gather input and make decisions about the operation of the Dayton Farmers' Market will be held May 8th in the Delany Room at the Dayton Library at 7:00 p.m. Everyone – both consumers and vendors-- with an interest in the Dayton Farmers' Market is encouraged to attend. For more information, call Mary Alice Beatty at (509) 382-2235.