Willow Farmers Market offers something for everyone

Summer months provide a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore the different communities and what they have to offer, and there is no better place than local farmers’ markets. One of the hidden gems is the Willow Farmers Market, which recently kicked off the summer season.

The Willow Farmers market starts slightly later in the season than other markets in the Mat-Su, a nod to the slightly later start to the growing season in the surrounding areas, which falls within the mission of the Willow Farmers Market-to provide the Willow area with fresh, locally grown or crafted products and to provide an outlet where local farmers, producers, and artisans can sell their products.

Sponsored by the Willow Health Organization, the Willow Farmers Market is held every Friday, giving visitors a chance to find fresh and local produce, baked goods, gourmet foods and unique items from Viking-Celtic jewelry to handmade picture frames made from local spruce and birch, and everything in between.

One such vendor is Mary Mitchell, owner of Alaska Marine Art. Mitchell was a commercial fisherman, and when she retired from that career, she decided to use the shells, glass, and different items she collected over the years and turned it into art.

“I collected a lot of stuff when I fished, and when I retired I just started putting things together.” She doesn’t limit her pieces to her fishing days. Mitchell also uses interesting finds from her hiking expeditions around Willow. One of her pieces used damaged birch from the Sockeye Fire as the canvas, along with driftwood and shells for the art itself.

The market is a low-cost outlet for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to sell their goods and a venue for local residents to gather socially. Visitors can also take a break with live music provided by local musicians, a new addition to the market this year.

The market moved to the Willow Community Center and Library a few years ago, increasing the availability for vendors and flow to the market.

“This location really brings the business in. I get to meet more people. I love it,” said Mitchell.

The market is held at the Willow Community Center every Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and runs until mid-September. For more information, visit the Willow Farmers Market Facebook page.