First Farmers Market

June’s Corner Garden at the Salem Monday Hospital Market

Last Monday, I participated in my first farmers market, ever, as a vendor. After our move to Rickreall, we had been planning to sell at a farmers market in the area, to try to build a market close by. As I looked at all the farmers markets around us, there were plenty of big, active markets to apply to, as well as other, smaller farmers markets. After narrowing the markets down by the day of the week that worked best for harvesting (opposite side of the week from the Portland deliveries) and talking with some local farmers, I decided to apply to the Salem Monday Hopsital Market. It is small and low key enough that I could attend the market by myself (without help) and it is a place where the Salem Saturday Market managers like to give new vendors a chance to sell. That can be good and bad: I was accepted into the market, but because they like to give all vendors a space, I was only accepted for every other week.

Lettuce, kale, chard, kohlrabi, beets and peas

Over the past few weeks, Steven helped me get all the parts together for the market stall. I made a visit to the market the week before I was to attend, to make sure I had all my ducks in a row, and hoping I could talk with a produce vendor about their sales and what I could expect. Unfortunately, the vegetable vendors didn’t make it that week, but I heard that the berry vendors did very well, selling out before the market was half over. So, last Sunday, I spent the day harvesting, taking what I hoped I could to sell that day.

My in-laws stopped by on their way home from a weekend at the coast and took this picture

I was very nervous Monday morning and I arrived at the market before anyone else, not quite sure where I should set up (it is very low key). As other vendors arrived, I picked my spot and set up. All the other vendors and the customers were  kind and welcoming and I enjoyed my time there. I didn’t sell as much as I hoped, but sold enough. It was a day to learn what to expect from the market and I definitely met that goal. I see the potential this market has to offer.

If you happen to be in Salem on a Monday, between 10 am and 2 pm, I hope you’ll stop by to see me at the Salem Monday Hospital Market, at 890 Oak St SE, Salem, OR. I’m scheduled to be there on July1, 15,  and 29, Aug 12 and 26, and September 9 and 23.