“It’s nice to come out and meet people.” Wasilla Farmer’s Market open for new season

After a rainy start, the annual Wasilla Farmer’s Market is underway, with vendors ready to sell their wares and shoppers ready to discover hidden gems and perhaps walk away with some fresh honey, fun pottery, or a planter made from a brassiere?

“It’s enjoyable. It’s nice to come out and meet the people,” said Ron Ringle of Ron’s Bees, who is selling honey from his beehives.

It is his second year as a vendor at the market. Ringle says he got into the honey business nine years ago after watching a neighbor, and getting to a place in which he could put some hives up and take care of them.

Ringle’s wife, Victoria, said the beautiful weather was a welcome sight for the farmer’s market after rain kept many away during the opening Wednesday two weeks ago, when there were only a few booths set up.

“We’ve had two weeks of unhappy weather, so this is wonderful,” she beamed.

Over at Cher Jefford’s booth, she has a mixed trove of treasures for sale, from planters to handmade jewelry to layered wood pieces and laser etched glassware.

“It’s a little bit of everything,” she said.

At the center of her booth is a display of a “Spellcaster Wild Card,” new novel not yet available except as limited edition hardback copies available at the farmer’s market. The author happens to be her daughter Nikki Jefford.

Jefford says this is her first year having as a vendor at the farmer’s market, due in large part to the book.

“I opened because of my daughter’s book. I told her to mail some copies up and I’ll see what I can do. Then my sister-in-law is selling her (bra-planters) in Anchorage, so I said I’ll try to sell some. And my girlfriend has jewelry and other items,” she says. “It’s a family thing.”

Meanwhile, at the Nugen’s Ranch booth, they said business has been steady as people have been stopping by for woodwork, fresh produce, and hanging baskets. Business was steady over at the Pottery People’s booth as well.

“We’ve been doing this for over ten years,” said Sue Bush, who said her husband Eric is the one responsible for creating all of the pottery being sold. Colorful pieces include butter dishes, large plates, sponge holders, animal figurines, and large planters.

“We like coming here and plan to keep doing this for a long time.”

The Wasilla Farmer’s Market is every Wednesday during the summer at Wonderland Park and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.