The photo shows the Old Town Farmers Market. (NCGA — Contributed)
July marks the start of summer bounty at farmers markets, and the North Coast Growers Association is in full swing with the opening of the Old Town Farmers Market on July 2nd, Willow Creek Farmers Market on July 11th and McKinleyville Farmers Market on July 18th.
The Old Town Farmers Market (at the intersection of F and 2nd Streets in Eureka) will be open every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm from July 2 through October 29. Returning vendors at the market include Humboldt Baking Company, Rain Frog Farm, Wilder Witch and taco purveyor Kekis the Home. Ross Bagels will also be participating in the market for the first time this year. The market also features live music and artisanal products.
The Willow Creek Farmers Market will be held every Thursday from 4pm to 7pm from July 11th through August 29th. The Willow Creek Market was rescheduled last month to allow for more vendor participation, and the location has also changed. This year, the Willow Creek Farmers Market will be held at 72 The Terrace Lane, across from Studio 299 Community Arts Centre, and will also feature a Thursday night social club with music, games and food.
Willow Creek’s new market manager is Audrey Henschel, a longtime Willow Creek resident and former owner of a local business.
“We are excited to operate the market for the 2024 season,” she said. “We are excited to keep Willow Creek Market open and thriving as a community nexus for healthy local produce, quality crafts, great local music and other events that highlight our beautiful valley of farmers, artisans and craft makers.”
Vendors at this market sell a wide variety of fresh produce and prepared foods throughout the season.
The McKinleyville Farmers Market will be held at Eureka Natural Foods (2165 Central Ave.) every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., July 18 through October 31. The McKinleyville Farmers Market will feature locally grown oysters from North Bay Shellfish, as well as tasty treats from emerging small businesses Patches Pastries, McIntosh Farm, Rain Frog Farm, Happy Hearts, Luna, I & I Farms and Los Bagels.
This year, the McKinleyville Farmers Market will also be under new management, as Oscar Morogon will expand his work with the North Coast Growers Association to also handle operations at the McKinleyville Market.
National Farmers Market Week runs from August 4 to 10. This year, the North Coast Growers Association is planning promotional activities to engage the community and encourage participation in farmers markets in more remote areas. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/NCGAfarmersmarkets/.
CalFresh EBT cards and WIC checks are welcome at most North Coast Growers’ Association Farmers Markets (except Shelter Cove). Market Match is also available, making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable. CalFresh benefits can also be used for food-producing plants and seeds. Visit a market information booth to learn more about CalFresh and Market Match or to register.
The NCGA operates most certified farmers markets in Humboldt County. Membership in the North Coast Growers Association is available to Humboldt County residents who grow or raise produce for sale within Humboldt County.
For a complete list of Certified Farmers Markets, Community Markets, Farm Stands and Community Supported Agriculture farms, as well as a directory of all Farmers Market vendors, please visit www.northcoastgrowersassociation.org
