Contributed by Kalea Hogate
“Yes, the Friday Fling is open!” After the difficult decisions made by many organizations to say no, it was a joy to say yes—to hold the Friday Fling. In the midst of a global pandemic, farmers markets — like all other small businesses — have been scrambling to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. The essential role that farmers markets play in the food system is demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic. This year struggles faced due to the pandemic, including revenue lost, additional costs, and a delayed start, strained the market and participants. Once farmers markets were deemed essential, the market advisory board was determined to host the Friday Fling in the safest way possible, adapting rapid solutions and innovation to protect staff, customers, and the community.
The Friday Fling in Palmer was established in 2002 to grow community and foster economic development by providing a locally-focused shopping destination. Since that first summer, the Friday Fling has been part of the heart of Palmer. Opening day and the first Kettle Korn bag of the year is anticipated all spring. The market currently hosts over 50 local vendors selling uniquely Alaskan-made handcrafted items.
Our farm booths sell a wide variety of products, including: flowers, honey, herbs, zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, turnips, and much more!
This market is about people coming together as one community that supports each other. It draws people to Palmer who are surprised to see our town has so much to offer. People come back because they build a relationship with the producer themselves and the commerce is personal. There is time to ask the farmers which type of tomato grows well without a greenhouse. There is an opportunity to request the dish that was the special last week. Customers visit the same booth each year to renew their supply of yarn. They visit another booth to stock up on pork rinds for the week. The Friday Fling builds community and has multigenerational resonance. Every week finds grandparents, cousins, parents, and kids browsing booths, buying gifts and necessities, and enjoying music on the grass. One component that makes the Friday Fling unique is the live music on a trailer turned stage. Thanks to many sponsorships, the market hosts musicians from around the state. This year there are two different sets, one from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm and another from 4:30 until 6:00 pm.
Because most events and festivals in Alaska have been canceled this year, the Friday Fling is one of the only venues left for artisans to vend their products. June 19 was a beautiful opening day for a town full of people ready to see friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Patrons were steady, but not stampeding in hoards. The market was allowed to expand its footprint further north down S Valley Way, so booth placement is 10 feet apart. Hand sanitizer is available at two entrances and two exits, as well as throughout the market. Vendors wear masks when they interact with customers. Each week brings refinement to health and safety precautions. Beginning July 10, food booths will be spaced 20 feet apart, extending east down Elmwood Street, with staggered lines to mitigate congestion on S Valley Way. In a pledge of commitment to this community, safety and solidarity is the administrative team motto.
If you drive down S Colony Way early on a Friday, as the sun starts its path over Pioneer Peak, you will see vendors unpacking their produce, crafts and wares, hurrying to raise their tents, laughing and smiling in the sun, nodding and gritting their teeth in the rain, and bracing themselves in that Palmer wind. You will see me, the market coordinator, hustling to raise blockades, roll out flagging, and set-up signs. You will witness a group of people building community. See you at the Friday Fling.
In our mission to promote the downtown Palmer area, we bring quality produce, crafts, and entertainment together in one of the most beautiful surroundings Alaska has to offer.
www.palmerchamber.org