Meet Renata Bryant. During the week, she’s a preschool teacher at Launch in Seattle. It’s a nonprofit oriented towards affordable childcare. On the weekends, she works at Farmers’ Markets, selling flowers for Alm Hill Gardens.
“I appreciate the exchange or intermingling of different folks, but also I really love bartering and trading. Markets are an important fixture in communities. It doesn’t get more local than that. In cities like Seattle with so many people moving in on a weekly basis, it's easy to feel a sense of loss when it comes to community. In a space like the market, folks are not only there to do business, but to keep the spirit of the city alive in a very provincial way. There’s a lot of ‘Hi, how are ya!’ with the intention of continuing conversation, not just in passing or in a weird obligatory way. Folks look out for each other in a way that you don’t see in all of Seattle.” -Renata Bryant
Pike Place Market opened in 1907. Tourists love its photogenic and exciting nature. The booths are lined with gorgeous flower bundles and fresh produce, fish mongers sling their freshest catch over the heads of customers, and it sits above the waves of Elliot Bay. The cobblestone streets, quaint architecture, and handmade goods almost entirely convince you that you’ve traveled back in time. Pike Place is the oldest continuously operated public Farmers’ Market, after all.
“Alm Hill is a great farm, owned by rad folk, and I recommend everyone stop by a booth at the Pikes, U District, West Seattle, or Ballard Market next season.” -Renata Bryant
If you’d like to spend your weekends as a vendor amidst all the excitement of a Farmers’ Market,
“Go to the ones in your neighborhood and check out what the space looks like. Some markets are in grocery store parking lots and some are on closed off streets. The environment around the market definitely influences the vibe. While there are always staple vendors (produce, flowers, tamales, or food trucks), there are also unique vendors who come to different markets. Get really comfortable walking shoes.” -Renata Bryant
Find out more about Pike Place Market here.
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