“Waiting” To Happen

A few weeks ago, the Waitsburg City Council voted unanimously to make a change in the municipal code allowing for a longer permit to use the city's Preston Park. The change was prompted by a request from the Dayton's Farmers Market, which has been interested in using Preston Park for its weekend activities. At the time of the vote, Mayor Walt Gobel said a farmers market here should be called "Wait's Market," a name coined by community activist and former real estate agent Deanne Johnson in honor of the town's founder. Now that Cycle Oregon has passed through town, the already intriguing idea of staging a farmers market has taken on a whole new dimension and momen­tum. If there's enough community interest, a farmers market, potentially in collaboration with the Dayton Farmers Market vendors, could be the one enduring legacy to emerge from one of the biggest gatherings in this fair city.

Right there before us, the concept of a Preston Park farmers market suddenly sprung to life last week and excited many in Waitsburg and elsewhere in the Touchet Valley about the possibility of having a per­manent farmers market at the intersection of Coppei and Preston. Under the banner "Wait's Market," more than 2,450 cyclists, Cycle Oregon volunteers, local shoppers and casual visitors off Highway 12 and 124 got a taste of a well-planned and festive farmers market in Preston Park. And Waitsburgers saw what a permanent one can look like. There it was with 27 vendors, food stands and a main stage with music, looking every bit as attractive and "happening" as the Walla Walla farmers market. Of course, it helped having a few thousand friends from Cycle Oregon in town. In its initial stages, a "Wait's Market" would need to build a regional reputa­tion. But that's exactly where the opportunity lies. Last week's "Wait's Market" showed that the Touchet Valley can offer quality products, a variety of stands, musical entertainment and organizational gumption to put together an outdoor "market place" that everyone still raves about.

The next question is whether we can do so consis­tently. "Wait's Market," after all, was designed as a one-time event that took many people many hours to plan and prepare. The activists rallied behind Cycle Oregon. Can they rally every week during the seasons when it makes sense to host the market?

There's no question we're talking about two differ­ent animals, but there's little doubt in our minds that it's possible and beneficial because Waitsburg is at an ideal crossroads for the area to draw both the vendors and the buyers. The Touchet Valley has an abundant number of growers, producers, artisans and musicians who could be included. Add to that prospects from Walla Walla, Pomeroy and perhaps even further afieldand this com­munity

has the ingredients for a successful farmers market.

Waitsburg has Main Street businesses that can com­plement a farmers market as a destination for travelers from the Tri Cities and Walla Walla to make a day trip here. The same is true for a possible combination farm­ers market and community event, such as Days of Real Sport, Pioneer Fall Festival, Rib Feed or Salmon Bake. With some solid outreach through word of mouth and media, a permanent "Wait's Market" could be a great boost to Waitsburg's growing reputation as place for good food and drink.

We believe the idea to start a regular "Wait's Mar­ket" next year is worth exploring. If you are interested, please call Deanne Johnson at 509-540-0615 or Imbert Matthee at 509-337-6631.