Though it's only midseason for the Queen Anne Farmers Market, average weekly sales are up 22 percent compared to 2007 sales and vendors say business is better here than at other markets. Figures for 2008 which were calculated by the previous manager, were never shared with the Queen Anne Farmers Market Association which now operates the market.
"We're doing great," said Siri Erickson-Brown, owner of Local Roots Farm. "We go to three or four farmers markets and it's our best market."
And because Erickson-Brown started Local Roots Farm just three years ago, she noted it can be difficult to get into profitable markets that are typically larger.
"Neighborhood markets aren't always as well attended or lucrative but this is great for us because it's very well attended and it's a very supportive neighborhood. Everyone was so thankful to us for being there; I love this spot."
Erickson-Brown noted community support for this market sets it apart, pointing to the market two weeks ago, when it poured and thundered and vendors still received a steady trickle of patrons.
"No matter where there's a market on Queen Anne I think people will come out, but I think it's at a great place now and I hope it stays there," Erickson-Brown said.
The new location of the market, which became a contentious issue for the market's future earlier this year, has proven more profitable too, according to Erickson-Brown.
"It's been a little bit better. At the old location, when the school started we had to move locations; that was always killer for us. It was just terrible because people would think the market had ended for the year," she added.
While farmers markets' sales are down around the city, Queen Anne's sales are up according to Julie Whitehorn, chair of its operating organization Queen Anne Farmers Market Association.
"Our farmers are telling us they're seeing an increase compared to last year and other markets; that's very gratifying," Whitehorn said.
This year's Market faced some early trials, which threatened to derail its existence, but a change of location and a decision to have only food and farm vendors, no crafts, has proven successful for what Whitehorn terms the "triple bottom line issues"-financial, social and ecological.
"First off, can we afford to put it on and the answer is, yes we can. The other question is 'Is it something the community values and wants to support?' We're getting a pretty clear message that it is. The third question is 'Is it profitable enough for farmers to be here?' and I think they've voted with their feet," Whitehorn said.
The market averages 30 vendors each week and continues to offer chef demos, book signings and a variety of entertainment and runs Thursday from 3-7 p.m. until Oct.1 at West Crockett Street and Queen Anne Avenue North.
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