About

Chelan Evening Farmers Market Goals:

Its Strawberry seasonThe Chelan Evening Farmers Market has four simple yet far-reaching goals:

  • encouraging people to “eat local”
  • initiating living-wage farm jobs
  • facilitating new young farmers
  • providing an “event of merit” for downtown Chelan

What to expect:

Between 20-60 vendors, many certified organic or on their way to it, sell their produce at the market. Depending on the week, you may find the expected: tomatoes, peppers, herbs, plums, peaches, cherries, apples; the unexpected: hummus, goat cheese, lavender and other flowers; and the unusual: gooseberries, currants and wool. One of the many special aspects of shopping at farmers’ markets is getting to know the farmers and vendors that work so hard to bring their beautiful offerings to market.  As Board member and visionary Mike Sherer puts it,

“I initiated this Market to allow growers in our area to tell their story through quality local produce.”

A Market that is more than food: Why are Farmers Markets so Important?

  1. Fresh, local foods. The fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of their growing season, meaning this produce is the freshest and the tastiest available.
  2. A wider variety. Farmers markets can offer a lot of variety, vastly different even from what you see in the grocery store. Take a chance and try a new fruit or vegetable!
  3. Seasonal treats. By shopping at farmers markets, you get to find the truest flavors of the season and connect with the growing season where you live. Enjoy fresh asparagus, spinach, and strawberries in the spring, indulge in fresh peaches and apricots in the summer, and cook with fresh pumpkins and apples for some amazing fall flavors!
  4. It’s good for your health. Produce and foods found in farmers markets are minimally processed and often grown without using pesticides, antibiotics, or genetic modification. Nourish yourself with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables!
  5. Surprisingly affordable. Grocery stores seem to charge an arm and a leg for fresh produce. However, at farmers markets, locally grown foods are typically cheaper due to shorter travel and minimal processing, getting you more bang for your buck!
  6. Support local family farmers. Family farms have decreased over the years because of high costs and bigger competitors. By buying from farmers markets, you are helping to support those local family farms, giving them capital they need to continue providing fresh produce for your family!
  7. Know where your food comes from. You can also learn some great tips and recipes from farmers and fellow patrons.
  8. Protect the environment. Food in the USA travels an average of 1,500 miles to get your plate! This means high use of fuels that pollute the environment. Not only that, many big box farms use pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and processing equipment that can contribute to environmental decay. When you buy local, your food not only travels short distances, but it is typically grown using methods that minimize the impact on the earth.
  9. Shopping is more social. Farmers markets are a great way to bring communities together. Meet friends there, or have a day out with the family. Some farmers markets even offer entertainment or classes! Check out your local market today to see what you’ve been missing!
  10. Support the local economy. Many farms in the Chelan area are within 100 miles of the city. This means more local jobs and money back into your community