The summer outdoor Farmer's Market, on the right side of Ocean Drive en route to the Spit, offers not only fresh produce and art, but also performing artists on stage. It’s a very pleasant aspect of Homer life. The entertainment ranges from singer/songwriter guitarists, quartets, elaborate dance performances to marimba bands to mention a few. In a town so full of talent, one can always expect an added treat at the Farmer’s Market, not only in the performing arts but also the wide variety of visual arts.
Local truck farmers and gardeners sell the bounty of their fields and green houses motivating friends and neighbors to gather for the pleasure and freshly grown vegetables and fruits as well as to snack on fresh-baked cinnamon buns and bagels to mention a couple of delights, and enjoy the entertainment. In addition to fresh vegetables and fruit, some booths also offer such treats as fireweed honey and smoked salmon.
About 100 growers have now installed “tunnels” (large metal greenhouse-like structures), helped by grants from the Natural Resources Conservation Services which covers most of the cost, to shelter their plantings which has led to much earlier harvests and hence earlier fresh delights at the market. While traditional farmers are likely to stick with the usual, planting in the ground when it warms up, the new producers have greatly expanded the growing season, bringing an amazing amount of food to market in late May despite the lingering winter weather deterring regular planting.
The market is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and later in the summer also Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m
