When Kate Brauner found out that the Market Manager for the Hoodland
Farmers Market was ready to pass the reigns of the job to someone else, she
decided to take the plunge.

“It was just a really cool opportunity to increase community in my hometown
and (increase) food access,” said Brauner, who grew up in Welches and knew
the previous manager, Lauren Carusona.

And that’s not the only thing new for the market, which has offered fresh
produce and more to Mountain residents every summer since 2018. The
market will have a new time and day of the week, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Saturdays from May 28 to Oct. 1, and a new location at the Church on the
Mountain (68301 Hwy. 26 in Welches).

“This makes it more accessible to families with young children,” Brauner said.
“I want it to be a community hub.”

The market will bring back a number of familiar vendors (along with a few
new ones), with Roots Farm, Hoodhills Farm, Frances Waddell Art, La Fountain
Herbal, Hood Soaps, Heart Song Ceramics, White River Healings and Root and
Wallow Farm already signed up, with the possibility that more will take part.
Brauner also plans on expanding the market’s offerings and keeping shoppers
around longer by adding musical performances, children’s activities and hot
food on site, including sausages by Root and Wallow Farm.
In addition, the market will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) benefits.

“So everyone can enjoy the market and it’s not a novelty,” explained Brauner,
who is also currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Agriculture. “It’s
something that can benefit all parts of the community.”

This is Brauner's first venture into running a farmer’s market, but she has had
experience as an organizer and in community outreach. She noted that the
amount of work involved was “trickier” than she expected, but she has other
ideas for the market, including creating new local jobs and offering youth
internships.

“That’s kind of my goal, moving into that direction; not only supporting
farmers and healthy food access, but labor as well,” Brauner said. “I’m really
happy with the way it’s shaping up.”

The market can be supported through its page on www.gofundme.com. For
more information, find the market on Facebook and Instagram, and anyone
interested in volunteering can email hoodlandfarmersmarket@gmail.com.