Waitsburg Farmers Market off to a great start

WAITSBURG-It's been a later-than-usual growing season for many area gardeners, but it didn't hinder the vendors at the local farmers market last weekend. The first Waitsburg Farmer's Market weekend was a successful one, according to co-manager Doug Biolo. Attending vendors reported great sales, fun visitors, and an overall great time.

"Saturday went so well," Biolo said. "The morning was really nice. A lot of people came by to say 'hi.' Dusty Britches Farms was the only vendor on Sunday, and I haven't had a chance to talk with them about how sales went."

Biolo works alongside market manager Noelle Olson, who was also one of the vendors at the weekend-long event. Olson sold out of her famous scones and baked goods, leaving the event with a few requests, according to Biolo. Olson also sold a small selection of fresh vegetables, rhubarb, and farm-fresh eggs.

Other vendors offered baked goods, artisan crafts, local art, and hand-crafted doll clothing. Biolo said that next week, a vendor selling grass-fed beef might be in attendance.

Olson and Biolo began working earlier this year to revive the farmer's market after COVID-19 canceled the 2020 season before it started. Olson was one of the organizers of the farmers market held in Preston Park in 2019.

The market will run every Saturday and Sunday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. Vendors selling local items, whether it be local art, artisan foods, fresh produce, or locally grown honey, are welcome and can contact Noelle Olson at (509) 205-4344- text messages preferred, or Doug Biolo at (971) 219-6137. The market is also on Facebook, and updates will be available on the Waitsburg Farmers Market and Nancy's Dream Garden Center Facebook pages.

Since the growing season has started late for many area gardeners, Biolo expected the bulk of fresh produce would be brought to the market a little later than expected.

"We are already looking forward to next weekend," Biolo said. "It's going to be a lot of fun!"