Story 1

Weekly Pullman Farmer’s Market

The Pullman Farmer’s Market bridges a generation gap and brings community members together.

The fresh scent of mint looming in the air intrigued an elderly woman, western guitar melodies caught the dancing shoes of two adolescent girls, and a produce information booth caught the eye of college students learning about the benefits of fresh produce. The old and wise were brought together with the young youth of the community through the power of fresh produce and baked goods Wednesday afternoon at the Pullman Farmer’s Market.

Pullman’s Farmers Market begins the third week of May and is rapidly approaching the end of its third year this Oct. 19.  Each week from 4 -6 p.m. dozens of vendors set up their tents at the Spot Shop parking lot overlooking the creek. Customers can look forward to fresh produce, baked goods, hand-picked flowers and hand-crafted jewelry, while enjoying live music.  

The market merchants as well as the customers are strong enthusiasts of supporting the local community. The bulk of sellers are from the Palouse and Lewiston-Clarkston area, making familiar faces and warm greetings a given when moving from vendor to vendor.

Local musician and market frequenter Shiloh Sharrard who has been playing weekly at the market said, “Some of my fondest memories playing the guitar have taken place at the farmers market. I love that some of the little girls are now comfortable enough to ask for requests. It makes playing so much more enjoyable.”

The market has overtime become a safe haven for college students as well as older community members. It provides information to learn the ins-and-outs of fresh produce versus grocery store produce, organic versus non-organic, the harmful effects of pesticides and the advantages of supporting local growers within the Pullman community. Pamphlets at the information booth as well as vendors personal accounts help to educate the community to make more beneficial decisions toward a better, healthier life.

Recent WSU graduate Ben Glowney explained to a small group of shoppers the benefits of the rather unknown Paleodiet. According to Glowney the Paleodiet, which consists solely of raw vegetables and meats, reduces health risks including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even weight gain. After friends asked numerous, open questions Downey became a personal shopper, explaining the various ways the Paleodiet promotes good health. 

While farmers make a means of income from the produce and goods sold at the market for many including Gibbi Smith the market provides more than monetary value.  “I enjoy watching our young kids make healthy decisions when it comes to food and supporting our community” said Smith.

Smith among many others enjoys the intermixing of different age groups and demographics that the Pullman Farmer’s Market helps to bring together. To Smith it is the younger generation who will carry out this friendly tradition, and it seems that what really drives this younger generation to return on a weekly basis is the face-to-face interaction and education from the older members. This is what makes the Pullman Farmer’s Market so enjoyable.