PORT TOWNSEND — The move uptown has proven to be a boon to the Port Townsend Farmers Market, which hit a sales milestone of $500,000 in its second season at the location this year, the market’s manager says.
“Our local customer base instantly increased 30 percent, just by being in an uptown neighborhood,” said Harv Singh, who is stepping down this month after four years with the Wednesday and Saturday market.
The $500,000 in gross sales compares with $365,000 in sales during the 2004 season.
Believing he has accomplished his mission of making the market successful, Singh is leaving his position at the end of this year for new work in Los Angeles.
Singh said he will remain as a consultant to the Port Townsend market, but believes he has reached a positive milestone in market growth that allows him leave on a positive note.
Moved two years ago
The market two years ago moved from its downtown location when City Hall restoration and annex construction forced out of its Madison Street location.
The Saturday market — which this year ran from April 30 to Oct. 29 plus a Nov. 19 Thanksgiving market — moved to the corner of Lawrence and Tyler streets, in front of Port Townsend Community Center.
The Wednesday uptown market was reintroduced June 15-Sept. 28 at Polk and Lawrence streets and was limited to growers and food producers.
With sales continuing to soar despite a loss of tourist customers downtown, the farmers market continues to lead all farmers markets across the North Olympic Peninsula.
It is the largest farmers market west of Seattle, Singh said.