The Wednesday Market is Back!
Bellingham Farmers Market brings back the Wednesday farmers market this summer in an exciting new location – the downtown waterfront district! The Wednesday farmers market was located on the Fairhaven Green for almost ten years. However, parking issues and site accessibility eventually led the organization to seek a new home for the Wednesday market.
In 2019, the market temporarily moved to Barkley Village. But given various factors like Covid, the Wednesday market was closed in 2020 and used the downtime to focus on finding a more permanent home. By spring 2021, Lora Liegel, Market Director, worked with the Port to secure a spot for the 2021 summer season. She and the organization hope that the Wednesday market can be at the Port location for many more years to come.
The Wednesday market sits on what was once former location of a Georgia Pacific papermill. The area is now managed primarily by the Port of Bellingham. The “digesters” which are still up, are a unique and historical backdrop for the market. The large rocket looking cylinders have an industrial charm that showcases the hardworking people of our area.
On market day, farmers, food vendors, and crafters unload their produce and products. Just like the workers who came before, Bellingham Farmers Market vendors are critical to our local economy, community, and landscape.
The 35 vendors participating at the Wednesday market this year are diverse. City Sprouts and Wildrye Farm are located in the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham. These two businesses have carved out space amid houses and concrete to produce a bounty of beautiful vegetables and cut flowers.
The Wednesday market will continue to add more prepared food vendors to the Wednesday line up as Covid restrictions loosen up. In addition, as it becomes safe to do so, more live music will be featured. Kid’s activities and special family friendly market events will also be added.
The new Wednesday market location is located near several outdoor amenities including the bike pump track, beach access, playground, and walking trails. In addition, the location is close to shopping at the Granary Building and downtown retail stores.
The Wednesday farmers market will also share the Port property with a new neighbor – Kulshan Brewing. Kulshan is expected to have two shipping containers which will serve as the foundation of a new beer garden. If you like to buy your produce and then go have a beer, you’re in luck! The Kulshan beer garden will be open on Wednesday evenings.
The Wednesday farmers market is open June through September from 4-7 pm. It sits at the corner of Granary Ave and West Laurel Street in Bellingham. If you’re looking for a specific address, use 300 West Laurel Street, Bellingham WA 98225.
www.bellinghamfarmers.org