Where community grows

In many rural households, producing and preserving some of what we eat is part of everyday life. Even so, few of us are completely self-reliant. Farmers markets help fill those gaps by connecting us with nearby producers while playing an important role in keeping small farms and the local economy strong. Beyond food, markets bring people together. Research from Dacher Keltner of the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that spaces of connection strengthen our well-being and longevity. Farmers markets offer a place where community, health, and local economy meet.

Three markets in our region are creating shared spaces where livelihoods and relationships grow—welcoming farmers, food and beverage makers, crafters, musicians, families, and, at one market, even dogs. All the markets are handicap accessible and have designated parking. By accepting food assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the bonus of Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), the Williams and Applegate markets make it possible to bring more customers to local farms, while the matching program allows every dollar to go twice as far on fresh produce purchases.

Williams Farmers Market

May-October

Mondays, 5-7:30 pm

Sugarloaf Community Association, 206 Tetherow Road, Williams
SNAP and DUFB
Service dogs only

Applegate Evening Market

May 20-September 30

Wednesdays, 5-8 pm
The Lindsay Lodge, 15100 Hwy 238, Applegate

SNAP and DUFB
Service dogs only

Sunday Summer Market

June 21-September 27

Sundays, 12-4 pm
Troon Vineyard & Farm, 1475 Kubli Road, North Applegate

The Williams market is set on private land that is open to the community every day from dawn to dusk, with a stage, playground, soccer field, and a community building. The market was started by the community, for the community. The outdoor market is run by volunteers, and it partners with the Williams Branch Library, Williams Grange, A Greater Applegate, and Rogue Herbalism Collective to offer special events and activities. The first Monday of each month, with the addition of live music and food trucks, sees a boost in both vendors and attendees. New this season, the SCA has extended power for vendors and lighting for the shorter days.

Williams Farmers Market manager, Breonna, provides a sweet summary: “Our market is a patchwork of personalities. It’s colorful, quirky, and charmingly unconventional, just like the people who gather there each week. Even the veggies show up in all their eclectic shapes and shades, as if they, too, know they belong to something special.”

This is the Applegate Evening Market’s sixth season and its third at the Lindsay Lodge and Restaurant. Market manager, Jaimy Wilkinson, has grown the market to include more than 30 vendors at peak season! The Lindsay Lodge lawn, along the Applegate River, has a new stage, picnic tables, and plenty of space for blankets and running around. Local nonprofits like A Greater Applegate, Jackson County Library Services, and Wild Oak Preschool will continue to provide resources and, in some cases, children’s activities. Applegate Evening Concerts is scheduling the music. The chef demonstrations are moving inside the Lodge so that it will be easier for people to see and hear.

 Jaimy is committed to seeing the market grow as a community space where the buying and selling process creates a level of socialization that transforms farmers markets from just another place to buy food to an engine for community life that goes beyond market hours. “Wednesday night regulars have made it part of their week,” she notes, “and visitors are genuinely enchanted."

The Troon Sunday Summer Market also features local farmers, artisans, and garden-to-guest lunches by Chef Carl Krause. At this weekend option, folks can sip a glass of wine in the garden while perusing local goods and enjoying live music. Market manager Natalie Tinker says, “I love our market because it's the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy a peaceful day in the tasting room garden, and connect with the incredible local farmers and makers. My favorite part is forming relationships with several of our consistent, weekly vendors.”  If you are a local farmer or artisan interested in participating, they have a limited number of vendor spots open. Contact natalie@troonvineyard.com for a vendor application.

In rural areas, where gathering spaces are few, local markets play a hugely important role in bringing people together. See you at the market!

Tracy Harding

Coordinator, A Greater Applegate Food and Farm Network

Photo 1: Applegate Evening Market. Photo: Jaimy Wilkinson.