In this article, Makenna talks about the history of the Growers' Market and its importance in our community.
Farming and growing food have always brought people together, especially in Grants Pass. Delicious food, drinks, fruits and vegetables bring the people of Grants Pass together, especially during the Growers' Market. The Growers' Market of Grants Pass is a local market that hosts farmers who sell fresh produce and more. Cooked food, desserts and drinks are also offered. The market is always bustling with people, yet everyone is still respectful and kind. This event is a must-go, especially with the addition of the Makers Market later in the year.
The Growers' market has been around for a long while now. According to the Growers' Market website, “Since its founding in 1980, the Grants Pass Growers' Market has been a Saturday morning tradition, offering a diverse array of locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, baked goods, specialty foods, and gourmet herbs and seasonings.” Even as it slowly becomes an older tradition, the Growers' Market is still one of the largest outdoor farmer's markets in southern Oregon. It has played a key role in bringing the Grants Pass community together with food, crafts, and more fun activities. The Growers' Market helps local farmers make a profit from their fresh produce, and makes our community closer and more exciting.
A picture of the Growers' Market, from Travel Oregon.
There are tons of different vendors at the Growers' Market, selling vegetables, berries, honey and wax, flowers, meat, drinks, and even crafts and art. It's all there! Some of these vendors include Blackberry Lane, The Oregon Bee Store, Cow Creek Chicken, Blossom Barn Cidery, and Rogue Valley Soap. According to the Growers Market website, "There are about 120 vendors, which welcome about 300-5,000 customers." The Growers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, inviting all kinds of people from Grants Pass. This market is a popular favorite in Grants Pass. As stated on Travel Oregon, a travel website about Oregon, “There are award-winning wines, locally roasted coffee, organic beef and farm-fresh eggs – something for everyone. It’s impossible to leave hungry when a variety of snacks and meals beckon.” The market is an old tradition of Grants Pass and will likely continue.
Non-profit organizations, including the Rogue Valley Humane Society, are also present at the Growers' Market. These vendors and organizations bring our community together, helping us to buy more locally instead of from multibillion-dollar companies. The Growers' Market is a staple of Grants Pass, and always will be. Go down and support your local farmers!