Organizers say Ronan farmers market could fold

RONAN — Friday could be your last day to purchase fresh produce, baked goods and crafts from the Ronan Farmers' Market.

"After five years, we don't have the community support," said market manager Brie Dement. "The bottom line is, people aren't coming."

While non-profits like the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center and the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO) helped get the market off the ground, it doesn't have the customer support it needs to sustain itself, Dement explained.

Dement said that the market has found itself in a Catch-22. The customers aren't coming because the vendors aren't there and the vendors aren't there because the customers aren't coming.

Every summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, since 2001, the Farmers Market has provided a place for local farmers, bakers and crafts people to set up colorful spreads featuring the fruits of their labor. At one point, the business was successful. Dement said they hit a peak several years ago when they brought in about $140 a week.

"Now we're lucky to make $40 a week," she said.

She attributes the decline in sales to inconsistent vendors — although, she said she can't blame them. Why should they set up tables and stand idly by as Highway 93 traffic whizzes by with only the occasional customer stopping by?

Fortunately, as Dement explained, for most vendors, this isn't their sole source of income.

"If it was, they'd starve to death unless they ate their own produce," she said.

In fact, most of them do it simply because it is a fun way to interact with the community.

"It is a nice community activity to a have a farmers market," said vendor Janet Sucha. "When you travel and you stop by a farmers market, you get a real taste of the people. It'd be nice to keep that going."

Traditionally, the community farmers market has been a fixture of American culture and Ronan's is no different, Dement said.

"It serves to build the community," said former manager Wendy Sanders.

Sanders explained that they have always tried to make their market much more than a place to stop by for fresh produce. In the past, they have had live music accompany people as they peruse vendors' displays. Plus, they have always done their part to keep the market exclusive to local vendors.

"We want to keep it local," said Sanders. "We don't want to turn this into a flea market. We've had to turn people away from Washington and other states."

With an exception of out-of-state vendors, the market is open to anyone who wants to sell, Dement said. For five bucks, you can reserve a table for a year with five percent of your profits going to the market.

Patti Mocabee uses the opportunity to sell her "rustic roosts" creations, tabletop decorations with miniature birds' nests.

"People don't like a lot of [useless stuff], but I bring them anyway," Mocabee said.

She plans on selling her crafts on eBay.

But all hope is not lost. Dement and Sanders are actively searching for someone to revamp the market.

"It is going to take someone with a vested interest," Sanders said. "Somebody who wants to see the farmers market as a place for the community."

The market is not broke. Dement explained that they are sitting on a pile of grant money that can be used for advertising. Plus, there is very little overhead as the space, located across from Ronan Sports and Western on Highway 93 at the Visitors Center, is provided.

"A leader and a solid group of people could make it happen," Dement said. "We have a good support group and people are willing to help."

People interested in the position should contact Wendy Sanders at 676-0760.