The concept of a farmers market is not new. In fact, it goes back to farmers bringing their goods to market along the Nile River in Egypt. In the United States, the concept goes back to Boston in the 1600s.

In Everett, it began in 1993, when I was off in Pullman getting my sociology degree. Now, having been back in Everett for six years, it is one of our greatest treasures.

I happen to live on the bluff on Grand Avenue in Northwest and got used to the “if you put up a canopy, they will come” on Sundays down at the Port of Everett. In midsummer 2019, the Everett Farmers Market (EFM) moved downtown on Wetmore near the Wall Street Everett Municipal Building. Residents were happy with the move and adapted right away. And now, due to COVID-19, we’re being asked to adapt again.

In my work life, I am the Community Engagement Project Manager for the Snohomish Conservation District. One of our last public events was the Annual Plant Sale, which ended the day Governor Inslee issued the Stay at Home, Stay Healthy order. In adapting our plant sale, we turned it into a pre-order only and pick up event. It worked slick. This is exactly what the EFM did for the first two weeks of its 2020 season.

The first Sunday was May 3 and the new hours were shortened to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. I told my husband that it would be his perfect market. We get all of the great products, without as much socializing. In reality, this was the best way that they could operate while limiting interaction. Farmers have food and we are hungry for fresh and local produce. Win-win.

Karen Erickson and Gary Purves run the market as co-owners/managers and I’m sure that they are tired, but also encouraged. In week one they had 117 cars cruise through to pick up their goods. We were among the first in line just past 11 a.m. and by 11:15 a.m., without leaving our car, we had fresh greens, tomato starts, catnip toys, pork sausage, wine and blueberry ice cream. On Mother’s Day, we lingered a wee bit waiting for our dim sum in a side parking lot. Even still, it took less than 30 minutes for multiple pick ups of beef, greens, more vegetable starts, frozen dumplings, and our lunch, including the commute to and from our home. It’s just fantastic.

As they move forward they are trying something new by allowing a limited walk-up market. Attendees can still pre-order from vendors to reduce their time at the market. They can show their receipts to enter the market.

I encourage you to take some time to plot your shopping list and give the new market a try!

How to Shop:

• Review the list of vendors provided by the Everett Farmers Market on Wednesday the week of your desired Sunday pick up/walk-up.

  • Pre-order directly from the EFM vendors if you want to have a faster experience.

  • Pay the vendors directly - via their website, a phone call, Venmo, Google Pay, PayPal, or their own invoice through Square or another vending app.

• When you show up, you have two choices to walk into the EFM. One is at Pacific and Wetmore, and the other is at Hewitt and Wetmore. No cars will be allowed. 

• You’ll be greeted by someone who will ask your name and which vendors you are picking up from if you pre-ordered. 

• Go solo - only one shopper per family.

• Walk-up customers may have a little wait in order to keep a limited number of patrons within the market space.

• Wear a mask and gloves to help protect yourself and others.

• Head home and enjoy your fresh items with the knowledge that helped more than one small business!

One bonus way to help small businesses who have yet to participate in the drive-through market is by shopping the EFM’s Virtual Marketplace. If you order it, you’ll be able to pick up your items via another vendor at the market.

Here are my Favorite Vendors:

Lopez Island Vineyards (LIV)
Bow Hill Blueberries
Ananda Farms on Camano Island
Panda Dim Sum
Stoffel’s Pork
Chuckanut Beef

There are so many more to choose from so I’m sure you have your own favorites. I find that I’m a very loyal patron to my favorites, but try to expand my network to spread the love when we get to wander the Everett Farmers Market. Each vendor relies on our support so do what you can to try something new. 

Everett Farmers Market
11 a.m. t0 3 p.m. every Sunday through October.

Kari Quaas is one of the community connectors and storytellers at Snohomish Conservation District. She also wears other local Everett hats including Chair of Northwest Neighborhood, Districting Commissioner, and photographer behind Everett Sunsets. If you really like gardening or cats, follow her on Instagram for a daily dose.