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Growers markets begin first week of March Early spring onions are a popular item at the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market. [Photo by Jim Flint] Thursday Feb 23, 2017 at 4:55 PM Feb 23, 2017 at 4:55 PM By Jim Flint for the Mail Tribune There may be no surer sign that spring is nigh than the opening of the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Markets, set for March 2 in Medford and March 7 in Ashland. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at both locations. The Saturday markets will open later in the season — on May 6 in Ashland and May 13 in Medford. The hours are the same, except that the Ashland Saturday market closes at 1 p.m. “We’re excited to be celebrating our 30th anniversary this year,” said Mary Ellen De Luca, market operations manager. A 12-year veteran of the organization, she said her job is to keep the markets “flowing.” A new logo celebrates the anniversary year. It will be used in all promotional materials, as well as on merchandise such as stickers, T-shirts, totes, aprons and embroidered slouchy beanies RVGCM sells at its market booth. In the early part of the season, buyers can expect to find winter produce at the market. “There will be beets, carrots, rutabagas, kale and spinach, to name just a few,” De Luca said. “There also will be food items such as pasta, breads, cheese, beef and all the ready-to-eat vendors selling everything from donuts to Thai food.” Also joining the early vendors crowd will be crafters, as well as farmers offering a variety of plants for sale, including herbs, fruits, vegetables, perennials and flowers. The Ashland Tuesday market will be set up at the National Guard Armory, 1420 E. Main St. There had been some talk about relocating to the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum lawn, where it camped temporarily one summer while the armory had some clean-up work done, but a decision was made to stay at the armory. “A lot of people liked the atmosphere of the grass and trees, but dust was a problem at times,” De Luca said. In addition, the level pavement at the armory is easier to negotiate for those with mobility issues, she said. The Medford Thursday market will be at Hawthorne Park, 501 E. Main St. And this year the Medford Saturday market also will be at Hawthorne Park, moving from its former location at The Commons. The Ashland Saturday market will be on Oak Street in the heart of downtown. There are 130 to 150 vendors on the member list most years. During the season, the Ashland site averages around 70 vendors, Medford 65, and the Ashland Saturday event 25 to 30. Some vendors are seasonal, selling such items as peonies, cherries and corn. They set up only when they have product. “We do ask that those who anticipate participating later in the season contact us now rather than wait,” De Luca said. Moving the Medford Saturday market to Hawthorne Park will make room for more vendors. Those interested in joining that market can contact RVGCM online at rvgrowersmarket.com. The public can get information and updates on that site as well. Potential vendors go through a jury process in January and February. A committee interviews applicants and makes recommendations to the board of directors based on needs of the market and suitability. “Our philosophy is that if you make it, bake it, or grow it, it fits the market,” De Luca said. “I should add ‘gather it’ to the list, since we have a mushrooms vendor at the market.” In the mix are many crafts vendors selling jewelry, pottery, woodwork, soap and other handmade products. Some vendors were grandfathered in as early participants. Since De Luca has been with RVGCM, there have been more than 500 vendors who have participated. The RVGCM solicits vendors from Jackson, Josephine and Siskiyou counties. “Sometimes for specialty items we make exceptions,” De Luca said, “like for fresh fish, cherries and a few other products.” A handful of vendors set up at all four markets. Coquette Bakery and Fry Family Farms are examples. Vendors pay a $75 annual membership fee, plus $20 per 10x10 space per day. The RVGCM uses that revenue to fund its three paid staffers and to pay for rent, advertising and porta-potties. The Medford market is one of several statewide that are affiliated with the Oregon Trail Double Up Food Bucks program. It’s a way for those who qualify for the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, to stretch their food buying dollars. “If they swipe their Oregon Trail card at our booth, for up to $10 per market, they receive red tokens for the purchase of food, but not hot, ready-to-eat food, and an additional $10 in DUFB coupons to buy fruits, veggies, legumes, mushrooms and herbs,” De Luca said. The Ashland markets are not recipients of the DUFB program, but the token system is used throughout the four markets. The $2 red tokens are available to Oregon Trail recipients, but there is no change given when they make purchases. And $5 green tokens are available to anyone who forgets cash and wishes to use a credit or debit card. They’re usable just like cash. A one-time daily fee of $1.50 is charged for credit and debit card users. This winter, the site committee of RVGCM explored options for a winter market, including development of a survey to determine vendor interest. No decision has been made yet. — Jim Flint is a former newspaper publisher and editor now living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected].