By Ty Walker
The Mountain Times
Mark your calendars. Saturdays this summer are for the Hoodland Farmers Market.
The local market is set to open May 18 and go through Oct. 19 in The Church On The Mountain parking lot, 68211 E. US-Hwy 26, in Welches. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year promises an abundance of locally grown farm fresh veggies, live music and activities for kids.
“It’s about bringing the community together to have a healthy and positive time,” Farmers Market Executive Director Kate Brauner said.
Brauner grew up in Welches and returned to her hometown to raise her daughter. She is in her third year as director of the farmers market, which was established in 2018.
“The market is meaningful to me,” Brauner said. “It’s a way I can help my hometown community flourish and provide opportunity for folks to make money on family farms and local businesses and also to bring the community together.”
She said the wide variety of goods from local vendors includes fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, bone broth, flowers, soaps and candles, home crafts, pottery and knitted goods.
The Double Up Food Bucks Oregon program returns for another season of making eating healthy more affordable for low-income residents. Those who use their Oregon Trail SNAP card to buy fruits and vegetables at the farmers market will receive matching dollars through vouchers, up to $20 a day. In other words, a $20 purchase will give you $20 more to fill your bags with produce.
While you’re busy shopping, your children will be busy having fun participating in everything from scavenger hunts to coloring sheets, crossword puzzles and library storytime.
Local ukulele player Sara Lee Houston, who bills herself as a “uke-alholic” at large, will be the live music act for opening day May 18. Sara Lee plays and sings an eclectic collection of covers from the past century.
As she likes to say, “I might as well face it, I’m addicted to uke.”
Brauner says the market is always looking for volunteers, vendors and musicians. For more information, go to hoodlandfarmersmarket.org.