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1. photogirl
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   I went shopping with one of my friends tonight at the Columbia City Farmers' Market and was quite envious of how nice it was. I live between Highland Park and White Center & would love to be able to walk somewhere to buy fresh and local produce right from the farmers.

   Most of all, I love the community feel of it. Families were out enjoying themselves and buying their fresh groceries for the week. Many seemed to know or have a relationship with sellers/farmers.

   Can't White Center have something like that? I know West Seattle (in the Junction) have their own farmers market, but I would love to see something closer. I'm just curious to see if anyone else living in the area would be interested in one? I mean, is there a realistic way of starting one or is it a lot of complicated legal work? Maybe I'm just too much of a dreamer?

   Posted 10 months ago #         

2. MargL
   Member Profile

   There was a farmer's market in White Center years ago. http://whitecenternow.com/2008/09/19/imagine-a-white-center-farmers-market/

   According to the comments it got shut down due to lack of support from surrounding businesses.

   Maybe things have changed since then and there might be more support now.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

3. WSB
   Member Profile

   

   Bring it up with the White Center CDA. They have tried many things and always seem to have something on the drawing board. http://www.wccda.org

   Posted 10 months ago #         

4. metrognome
   Member Profile

   there is some concern that there are too many farmers markets to be viable. The county website on farmers markets includes a link to a pretty comprehensive report from 2010

   http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farmers_markets.asp

   Posted 10 months ago #         

5. westseattledood
   Member Profile

   

   Competition for existing brick and mortar grocers - though farmers' market would be organic - which most WC grocers currently are not. Though they are working with the CDA to improve the grocers' relationship with organic farmers...

   I'm researching all of this for a series for WCN. :) So stand by.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

6. FullTilt
   Member Profile

   

   From what I remember and have been told, there was not the community support and the rival green grocers felt it was unfair competition.

   I think the hood has changed a lot since they last gave it a try, and I think it could fly at this point.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

7. FullTilt
   Member Profile

   

   From what I remember and have been told, there was not the community support and the rival green grocers felt it was unfair competition.

   I think the hood has changed a lot since they last gave it a try, and I think it could fly at this point.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

8. photogirl
   Member Profile

   That's too bad about the lack of support from nearby businesses and neighborhood, especially since there's not much of an organic option in the area.

   I keep hoping that White Center will someday become more community friendly and walkable. I know it's on its way there with the help of Full Tilt and other new businesses that are taking a chance on the area, but there seems to still be a lot of crap they are trying to overcome. Maybe someday.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

9. FullTilt
   Member Profile

   

   According to a quick google search, the WCCDA tried the farmers market TEN years ago. I think it would be a whole new animal if it was attempted now.

   The bottom line is if you want a farmers market in your area, then do it. There is no "they" that is going to do anything for this area. If you want to see this happen, then do it.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

10. WSB
    Member Profile

    

    FT's right. My suggestion of the CDA was just regarding whether they might have something in the works, somehow, you never know. And if they don't, there's the old saying "If it is to be, it's up to me."

    Posted 10 months ago #         

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