FARMERS MARKET IS COMING

Since my arrival here 2 years ago, we have been hearing from some local citizens about the need for a Cannon Beach Farmers Market. The City Council declared it a goal for 2008 so I asked 2 local business owners, who were instrumental in trying to get one off the ground in 2005, if they would help me look at the possibility. Bob Neroni and Lenore Emory from the EVOO Cooking School stepped up and the planning began this last summer.

Now I am happy to report that, due to a dozen or so other dedicated volunteers coming forward, a Farmers Market for Cannon Beach in 2008 will be a reality.

From the beginning of our 6 months of planning, our "mission" was geared toward providing CB residents the opportunity to purchase fresh produce and other related food products. It was also important to minimize attracting vendors who would compete with local merchants.

Here are some of the other particulars related to this event:

DATES AND TIMES - The market will run on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 to 6:00 pm beginning June 17th and ending September 30th. The committee felt Tuesdays during the summer would alleviate parking concerns while experiencing the most optimum weather conditions.

LOCATION - The market will set up in the northwest corner of the City Hall parking lot. Having these events will help the midtown area while not creating more traffic problems for downtown during our busiest months.

PRODUCT - Very strict guidelines have been established as to what can be sold or displayed and our planning committe discussed this issue at length. We finally decided on allowing Oregon and Washington grown food products including and limited to: fruits and vegetables; grower-made or preserved foods such as honey, jams, ciders, pickled vegetables and dehydrated fruits; meat and seafood, eggs and cheeses; herbs in pots, cut or dried; and shelf stable baked goods.

VENDORS - We expect to attract between 5 to 8 vendors the first year with growth to 10 to 12 by the third year. Criteria for vendors' participation will be established by a special

committee according to the criteria listed above. The committe is also exploring the idea of having some appropriate music groups playing during the times the market is running.

FINANCES - The City Council has approved a budget for the Farmers Market which, if all goes according to plan, would result in an annual cost of not more than $6000 offset by weekly or annual charges to the vendors for a 10' by 20' booth.

The success of a Cannon Beach Farmers Market is dependent on the numbers of people that would attend and purchase goods.