By MIKE HUFFMAN
Staff Reporter
If you're headed to the Farmers Market this Friday, get ready for some dogs. And not just the ones served up with sauerkraut at John Augusta's Li'l Grill.
The popular market, which is about at its halfway point for the 2007 season on College Avenue between First and Second streets, will go to the dogs Aug. 10 as it has its “Dog Days of Summer” event, starting with a “dog parade” at noon.
All Cheney canines and their owners are invited to be part of the parade and come down for free treats, adoption info, a dog/owner look-alike contest, and other attractions.
The event is just the latest in a series – the Kids Art Day was held back on July 20 – that continues to keep folks coming downtown every Friday from June 2 to Oct. 13.
“This is just so wonderful for Cheney,” Jackie Olson, a local insurance agent who tries to head to the market each week, said.
“Where else can you see everyone each week?”
Cheney's market – now in its fourth season – shares good company with other communities that can't get enough of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables along with a variety of vendors selling everything from habanero barbecue sauce to buffalo jerky. The popularity of the outdoor markets have led to Gov. Chris Gregoire declaring Aug. 12-18 as Washington State Farmers Market Week.
According to the state Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets has doubled in Washington in the last decade, increasing from 60 in 1998 to more than 120 this year. They also account for more that $38 million in sales in 2006, up more than 50 percent from the previous year – and most of that cash goes directly to family farmers.
“Farmers markets play a key role in rural and urban locations and are increasing in popularity every day,” Kira Doley, treasurer of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, wrote in a statement accompanying the governor's proclamation.
“People come for the welcoming atmosphere to buy the freshest fruits and vegetables available along with other farm products, high-quality processed goods, hand-made crafts, hot prepared food and live music.”
Charlie Dotson, executive director of Pathways to Progress, sponsor of the Farmers Market, says that's true, plus it also gives people one more reason to stay and spend dollars in downtown Cheney.
“We've really seen a lot of loyalty from the community and the vendors who continue to come back,” Dotson said. “We're always coming up with new things, the market is always changing and it keeps getting bigger every year.”
The success of the market is that much sweeter since, originally, the state association said it would be a bad idea to operate a farmers market on Fridays. But reviews from customers have shown that they prefer the day, location and the hours of operation.
“It's the place to be,” Dotson said. “We've had a real consistent customer base.”
Vendors, too, have found plenty of success. Brenda Mace – owner of BJ's All-American Barbecue Sauce, Relishes and Jams – says she happily makes the trip from Davenport each week to sell her wares, which she works on all week long with her husband.
“I didn't know anything about the Farmers Market until last year,” she said, “but it's been real good to us.”
Mace said her 10 types of barbecue sauce – everything from mild garlic to “The Sizzler” – don't sit on her display table for long.
“We get a lot of people who try a sample and then come on back,” she said.
That description isn't far off from the Farmers Market itself, which has enjoyed plenty of repeat business. That, in turn, means people are coming to downtown Cheney – something that didn't happen much as little as five years ago.
“We've still got a long ways to go,” Mayor Allan Gainer said. “But we're getting there.”
The Cheney Farmers Market will continue every Friday until Oct. 13 from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Mike Huffman can be reached at [email protected]
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