A Farmer’s Market Reborn?

by Evie Maxwell, features editor

There used to be – some say 10, others 20 years ago – a farmer’s market set right here in Port Ludlow. By all accounts it was a vibrant part of community life from spring through autumn, offering fresh fruit, fish, vegetables, all local farm-to-table offerings that help make our part of Jefferson County, WA, such a delightful place to live.

This market lasted for many years, until a change in venue put a kibosh on the endeavor, and it, alas, went the way of the Dodo bird. But, unlike said bird, this one is eyeing a revival.

The possibility of revival is coming to us thanks to the efforts of a relatively new Port Ludlow resident. Kandice Crusat moved here with her husband, Rodney, just over a year ago. Having come from a place with a vital farmer’s market, she quickly came to the decision that Port Ludlow should have such a market too.

That’s by no means saying that this corner of Jefferson County doesn’t have magnificent farmers’ markets. As most of you will know, we have three: Two in Port Townsend held on Saturdays and Wednesdays, plus a Sunday market in Chimacum. All three exist under the aegis of the Jefferson County Farmers Market organization. So why isn’t this enough?

Because, Crusat says, “We have around 3,000 people living here with no close-by access to local food.” Sure, the existing markets are wonderful; but Crusat points out, they’re not easily accessible for many older residents or those without cars.

Therefore, she went to work. Up to this point, that effort might sound a bit pie-in-the-skyish, but Crusat has made some significant progress.

For starters, she’s looking at two potential sites for the market: the open area between the recycling stations and the cluster of local Port Ludlow businesses (restaurants, gas station, and other existing businesses) plus the area around the Marina. To date, Crusat has focused mainly on the open space area, pointing out that it offers a good amount of available parking, all the advantages of adjacent local businesses, and – drum roll please – a no-cost deal for use of the space.

That latter is thanks to the Port Ludlow Associates, who clearly see value in the idea. In return for the free space, Crusat plans to offer interested vendors a place at the market for free. That could prove a significant draw as the existing very successful, and very well run, Port Townsend and Chimicum markets, do need to charge for space.

Overall, the idea of ‘free’ space has helped Crusat gain interest from several local food producers. In fact, she notes, she currently has a 99% “for-sure” buy-in from a local vendor who runs two organic farms, multiple green houses, plus a fishing operation. In addition, she’s had interest from smaller farmers, flower growers, fishery operations, dairies, and the like. Crusat is also interested in opening the market to ancillary vendors such as artists, craftspeople, and sellers of vintage wares.

Of course, even with rent-free space, the proposed market would require some funding for costs such as signage, advertising, clean up, and the like. But, Crusat says, “We’ll do everything we can to keep the costs as low as possible."

So … will we be seeing a Port Ludlow farmers’ market sometime in 2026? Stay tuned and we’ll do our best to keep you informed.