New vendors sought for Bellingham Farmers Market

Written by Dave Gallagher | The Bellingham Herald | December 28, 2012

Here’s a news release from the Bellingham Farmers Market:

Farmers, producers, or crafters in Whatcom and Skagit counties who are looking for new markets and more face-to-face time with customers should consider vending at the Bellingham Famers Market in 2013. Application forms for the main season Saturday market and Wednesday market are now available. The Saturday market runs from April 6 through December 21, and the Wednesday market from June 5 through September 25.

“New vendors enable us to expand the market’s product mix and selection range, and are essential in helping us maintain an interesting, sustainable market for our community,” explained Caprice Teske, Market Director.

The Market is a great way to launch a new business, test-market a creative idea for a new product, or find a new outlet for a proven product. It provides an inexpensive way for folks to reach thousands of customers in a vibrant retail setting. In addition, vendors benefit from our marketing experience and can enjoy mentorship and camaraderie with fellow entrepreneurs.

This year – the Market’s 21st season – the focus is on attracting vendors offering specialty crops and highlighting products made using locally grown or sourced items. For vendor information and applications, click on the “How to Vend” button on the Market’s homepage at http://www.bellinghamfarmers.org/

Applications are due by Thursday, January 31. All craft, value-added, and food products will be reviewed by the Market’s Product Review Panel, made up of current vendors and community members, to ensure that the market mix has uniform quality and appropriateness.

The Bellingham Farmers Market is consistently one of the largest tourist attractions in the area and is held each Saturday during market season, which runs from April through the weekend before Christmas.  The Saturday Market is located at the Depot Market Square on Railroad Avenue, adjacent to Chestnut Street, in downtown Bellingham.  In addition, a Wednesday Market is held in Fairhaven during the months of June, July, August and September.  For more information about the Markets, please call 360-647-2060.

“This year, we are testing a once-a-month Market to be held the third Saturday of January, February and March,” noted Teske. “Our hope is that this will be the catalyst to extending our Saturday market year around, creating even more opportunities for these small businesses to reach their customers.”