Farmers Market season is upon us. KBBI News Director, Daysha Eaton talks with Homer Farmers Market Director, Robbi Mixon who says this year the Market will feature more chef demonstrations.
Daysha Eaton: “Its farmers market season again. What do people need to know about the 2016 Farmers Market in Homer?”
Robbi Mixon: “Well, we’re opening up this Saturday, May 28, from 10-3 p.m. and then our Wednesday markets, we’re actually starting a little bit earlier this year on June 22 and then we’ve added and extra hour so it’s going to go from 2-6 p.m.”
Daysha Eaton: “For people who don’t know, who might be new to Homer, where is this farmers market?”
Robbi Mixon: “It is on Ocean Drive across from the Washboard. You can’t miss it.”
Daysha Eaton: “What’s new at the market this year?”
Robbi Mixon: “We received a USDA farmers market promotion grant this past fall and that is going to allow us to do more chef demonstrations. So we are aiming for every week, every Saturday and then once a month on Wednesdays to do chef demonstrations showcasing Alaska grown food. So, if you are interested we have lots of slots open.”
Daysha Eaton: “So let me get this right: I can go to the farmers market and there will be a chef there preparing food that I can eat?”
Robbie Mixon: “Yes.”
Daysha Eaton: “For free?”
Robbi Mixon: “For free.”
Daysha Eaton: “Okay, that’s awesome.”
Robbi Mixon: “We have the marimba band opening up this Saturday so we don’t have a chef, but we do have some awesome music.”
Daysha Eaton: “How many people, or how many booths, will there be?”
Robbi Mixon: “We have around 60 booths. That’s the same as we’ve had the last couple of years.”
Daysha Eaton: “What else is important for people to know about the farmers market?”
Robbi Mixon: “Well, we are continuing our kids activities program. Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies will be running those from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday. We are also having our kids vending day. That will be the first and third Saturday of every month.”
Daysha Eaton: “So kids can come and sell things that they’ve grown?”
Robbi Mixon: “Right, they can come from 10:30-3 p.m. the first and third Saturday and they will need to bring all their own stuff and follow all the market rules and have an adult supervisor.”
Daysha Eaton: “And for people who may not have been involved with the farmers market before, if they want to have a booth or they want to do a demonstration what do they need to do? How do they get in touch?”
Robbi Mixon: “The best place to start is our website: homerfarmersmarket.org. There’s an FAQ section with all your frequently asked questions answered. Also on the website, there’s our contact information and also our policy manual and application. So we are full on our full-season spaces but we are still accepting week-to-week vendors.”
Daysha Eaton: “Where and when, one more time?”
Robbi Mixon: “Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 3p.m. and Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m., starting June 22.”
Daysha Eaton: “Excellent and that’s on your way to the Spit?
Robbi Mixon: “Yep, Ocean Drive across from the Washboard.”
Daysha Eaton: “Sounds Good.”
Robbie Mixon: “See ya there.”
Daysha Eaton: “Thanks, Robbi.”