Wasilla Farmer’s Market: Pathfinding in 2018

WASILLA — The Wasilla Farmer’s Market has been around for several decades and has seen a steady growth over the years, but is still trying to keep up with riving markets like the Friday Fling in Palmer and the Saturday Market in Anchorage.

The WFM is nestled within the Iditapark in downtown Wasilla, near the Wonderland playground. The wares range from custom woodwork and jewelry to homegrown produce and detectible. Over the years, the simple, farm driven market acquired more artsy products and services, a narrative comparable to other markets across the state.

It seems that most vendors are anticipating the arrival of produce, the centerpiece of the summer-long series. Eric Bush and his wife, Susan started managing the WFM five years ago, working under the Knik Museum.

“That’s what brings most of the people in, is the vegetables,” Bush said.

The WFM is an attempt to stay true to its agricultural roots while expanding as a creative marketplace, according to Bush. He and his wife, Susan mold an array of pottery at their own booth as they manage the grounds. At this point, it’s a labor of love and whatever they make will be at the most supplemental. They try to balance the market’s agricultural roots and the influx of handcrafted creations. They were stricter about vendors, requiring all material be handmade or homegrown, but this year, they loosened up on their policy to help bolster their roster. Susan hopes to bring in more vendors, particularly produce booths.

“Because, after all, we are a farmer’s market,” Susan said.

The city of Wasilla’s Fourth of July series of events happens to fall on a Wednesday this year. This annual tradition draws hefty crowds for staple events like the parade and Mayor’s Picnic.

Four weeks into the season, Bush said that business was overall better than last year. He hopes that this year’s festivities help sales for the market. The vegetables are expected to arrive around the same time.

Bush credited Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle for paving the pathway between the parking lot near the bus top toward the playground. He said that paved paths often lead to increased foot traffic since it’s less strenuous, allowing easier passage for the elderly, wheelchairs and strollers.

Looking at the rolling green hills, Bush envisioned an expanded market but only after paths are paved, fearing the fringe tents will be overlooked or less appealing of a walk for shoppers.

“You pave something, people have a tendency to walk on it,” Bush said.

Until three years ago, the WFM was behind the library and museum. Overall, sales have increased since the move, according to Bush. Although seeming more “centralized “ to some, parking was very limited and the connection to the stretch of public lands seemed more advantageous to vendors.

Michelle Orlando and her sister run the ‘Two Crafty Sisters’ custom made” rugs and crafts booth. Michelle joked that if they started their own septic company they would be called the “Two Crappy Sisters.’

Orlando makes hand crafted bath rugs, chair seats and so on. She also does custom orders ranging from infant crib linings to pet beds. This is her second year vending at the WFM and although business had been good, she shares a common desire for more foot traffic.

At a point, the WFM advertised with big signs along the Parks Highway. This alone struck a majority of vendors as essential to bringing in people for an otherwise tucked in market. Many wished they could go back but current city regulations prohibit any sings on the highway.

Cecilia Wisthoff, her husband Tom and their daughter Veronica run “Not Just Valley Trash,” a handmade soap, craft and décor booth. Tom said he also feels signs off the Parks Highway would significantly help the turnout. Tom and Cecilia are both retired, but Tom only recently tagged along for the ride.

“My wife likes it because of the social time. If the weather’s fine, I like it,” Tom laughed.

Veronica crafts various accessories like knit headbands and dolls. With upcoming plastic bans in mind, she’s weaved an array of reusable shopping bags.

“I love people; I just love people. It’s fun to share and also teach,” Cecilia said.

Judy Hunter, the owner of Jingle Jellies, frequents various markets and events across the Mat-Su. After five years selling her homemade jellies, she too is drawn to the people, meeting new ones and reconnecting with the old. She said that a majority of her business comes from word of mouth but she regularly keeps up with Facebook to stay in touch with her customers. More than anything, she likes to share the toils of her labor, a feeling not too uncommon along the path.

“I love to share what I do,” Hunter said.

Contact Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at Jacob.mann@frontiersman.com.