Market a jewel of Wasilla

To the editor:

I’ve had the privilege of spending the last several summers in your beautiful state, and more specifically the community of Wasilla. To help us finance the drive up and back from Minnesota, I buy or pick local berries and vegetables, which I make into jams, jellies and pickles that are sold at various markets in the area.

Presently and in the past years, I’ve sold at the Wednesday Farmers’ Market by the Wasilla library. This market, as you know, has been in operation for many years to help raise money for the historical townsite. Many thanks to Leroy, now deceased, Margaret Heaven and other volunteers who manage that market in an efficient and friendly manner.

This year I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the new Wasilla City Market located in the Husky Electric Supply parking lot. The facility was constructed by Scotty Lamkin, the operations manager at Husky Electric Supply, and his helpers who attend to every aspect of seeing to the vendors’ and shoppers’ needs. This is a top-shelf venue that includes a roof, tables for the vendors, a bandstand with live music and a food vendor who serves delicious meals to the vendors and public.

Kathy Carr, the owner, Scotty and his wife Sherry Lamkin, and employees Britni Eiler and Mike Johnston go out of their way to help us unload and reload our items. They graciously accept any suggestions we may have to benefit the market.

This market has been established to provide an opportunity for locals to sell here rather than make the trip to Anchorage. The shoppers who can’t visit the other weekday markets due to work schedules are delighted to have a weekend market to shop at in the area.

I want to bring this new market to your attention. This new market can and will become, with local encouragement and attendance, an avenue for folks to shop, sell and hopefully bring more people to your community to do business. The tourists who have stopped in enjoy visiting with the locals to learn more about the area.

I would like to thank the City Market crew and the community of Wasilla for your hospitality. I’ll be back!

Judi Parson

Buhl, Minn.