Fairwood Farmers’ Market is a newer market in North Spokane which offers an intimate neighborhood setting within the Fairwood community north of Whitworth University. A vision of Rob Allen and refined with other community partners, the mission of the market is to revitalize and complete the Fairwood District in North Spokane, with new shops, mixed use residential and commercial development, a sustainable farmers market, and bicycle friendly trails-making it a connected, pedestrian friendly community.
Rob and his committee work together to provide small local farm producers and crafters from places like Green Bluff, Deer Park and Chewelah the opportunity to sell their products. This affiliation is vital for these smaller businesses all while providing a neighborhood connectedness to nearby residents of all ages.
This market is growing with 33 vendors. “We hope to increase the size of the market to at least 50 vendors”, states Rob Allen. Artisan Foods include delicious breads, cinnamon rolls, flavor infused butters, premium cow’s milk and goat cheeses, locally made seasons, cooking oils, fresh fruit pies, authentic Italian pasta sauces. Farm produce varies with Greenbluff berries and beers, fresh eggs and naturally raised beef, fresh seasonal fruits. Arts and Craft booths display Pendleton wool products, hand crocheted tops and accessories, locally crafted woodwork, chair massages, and quality candles. It all sounds wonderful and patrons return each Tuesday afternoon to see and experience new vendor participation.
For ten weeks during the summer, the Spokane County Library District hosts a kid’s activity booth call KERNEL. Kids eating Right, Nutrition and Exercise for Life. Children earn $2 each week for participating in a short nutrition or exercise activity. The $2 checks are only good for fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables in the market. One week, 112 children participated in the activity, which was a fruit and vegetable hunt in the market.
The Fairwood Farmers’ Market also provides rotating food truck vendors in case guests want to snack or have a meal. Allen said they actively recruit local musicians to provide live entertainment during each market, paying them a stipend and allowing them to receive tips. Every so often the Farmers’ Market will have a theme day. On Tuesday, September 20 the market with focus on “SENIOR DAY” celebrating elders in the neighborhood. There will be special live entertainment and a gift drawing. A wheelbarrow donated by Wandermere Ace Hardware will be filled with variety of market vendor products at a value of $175. “Support from our north side area businesses and market vendors is so great and much appreciated”, states Debra Rubens, marketing director at Fairwood Retirement Village.
Here’s what a few vendors have to say about this new marketplace.
“Rain or shine, the Fairwood Farmers’ Market is always fun,” according to Desiree Seghetti of Commellini Estate. Commellini’s sells frozen prepared meals and sauces made from the original recipes by Grandma Leda. The event venue was originally opened two generations ago as a restaurant and speakeasy. It is still operating for special events at 1715 N. Dartford Drive in the Fairwood area.
Shoppers like the market. “I found the Scone Ranger at the Fairwood Farmers’ Market and their products were amazing,” said Julia King on Facebook. “The perfect blend of flavor, along with just the right texture,” is how she described the fresh baked scones that are always of the most popular items at the Tuesday market.
The market is scheduled every Tuesday beginning in May and ending in October. It runs from 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. More information about the market can be found on Facebook or contact Karol Widmer at (509) 939-1880.
