Wasilla Farmer’s Market returns bigger and better

The tents are up, the food trucks are ready, and shoppers are out and ready to find that one lucky find that will be sure to delight them. That can only mean one thing-it’s time for the Wasilla Farmers’ Market.

Every summer from June through mid-September, the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society sponsors the Wasilla Farmers' Market, drawing in local farmers, gardeners, bakers, artisans and more to sell their fresh produce, jams, jellies, breads and Alaskan made gifts. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it here at the Farmers' Market.

The Market opened on June 4, although the weather didn’t cooperate, but Amanda Satterly, a third year vendor, said that people have been turning out ever since.

Veteran vendors say that this year, the market is bigger, offering more opportunities for vendors.

“It’s grown a lot this year, and it’s getting busier,” says Satterly, who sells homemade funny coffee mugs, cute gnomes, and Whoppie Pies. “They’re the Maine State dessert, and they’re getting popular here,” she says of the treat, which is a cross between a cookie and cake, which Satterly says is more cake, and offering a variety of flavors from maple to strawberry to chocolate mint, and of course classic marshmallow.

The fun for many shoppers is finding something new to add such as hand crafted jewelry, or maybe try a new food such as a Russian potato pierogi, or homegrown honey, or a new piece of art to liven up a workspace.

For Ryah Davis, who is a fan of dragons, it was finding an iridescent, vibrant dragon to add to her collection while at the Arctic 3-D Printing booth.

“I am so excited!” she said, barely able to contain her excitement at the find. “I love it!”

For Robert Simpson, owner of Artic 3-D Printing, the opportunity to sell his items outside of a storefront and interact with people, allowing them to get a glimpse of his work in real time as he prints dragons of all varieties and sizes, fireflies, dinosaurs, and more.

“I didn’t know if it would work, printing outside,” Simpson said as he had one printer operating and is considering adding a second spot for more printers.

He also says that the market has grown already from last year, and thinks the layout is better, letting more people wander and check out everything available.

"It's definitely bigger and better than last year."

Dawn Ducommun organizes the Wasilla Farmers’ Market, says one thing that has changed this year is that the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society will also be manning a booth, where in the past the not everyone had the time. She says they are also setting up the market differently as they have access to the entire field, and re still working out the best layouts as the summer progresses and more visitors come out.

Another bonus for vendors is the fees, which is just $20 a week or $260 for the season, which Ducommun says it reasonable and lower than other open-air markets. She says there is also space for new vendors, so long as they have a State of Alaska business license and a City of Wasilla business license.

The vendors can change week to week, and even the vendor offerings can change, so it pays to come often and find new foods, handmade items, find a new plant, or just enjoy the weather.

“Come on down, we have something for everyone!” said Ducommun.

The Wasilla Farmers’ Market is open Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at the corner of Nelson and Weber Streets near Wonderland Playground at Wasilla's Iditapark.

For more information, please visit the Wasilla Farmer's Market Facebook page.