Poulsbo Farmers Market vendors have tempting holiday treats

POULSBO — There are still 145 days until the opening of the 5th Poulsbo Farmers Market season. That’s four months and 24 sunsets until the corner of 7th Avenue and Iverson Way loses trace of winter and becomes dotted once again with the white tents of market festivity.

But the inevitable seasonal slow-down certainly doesn’t mean vendors have closed their shops completely.

Heading into a time of holiday shopping blowouts, regulars at the market have a few Thanksgiving and Christmas time treats to offer supportive, year-round shoppers.

“There’s still things going on,” said market manager Jackie Aitchison. “People can contact our artisan vendors, which they can find on our Web site, for holiday gifts.”

Craft show dates can also be accessed at www.poulsbofarmersmarket.org, as can basic vendor information and links to individual Web sites.

Pheasant

Fields Farm

Pheasant Fields Farm is serving up fresh produce perfect for Thanksgiving feasts.

“We do have a few products available right now,” owner Nikki Johanson said. The Clear Creek Road farm is still boasting winter squash and fresh eggs, as well as some greenhouse tomatoes and carrots. Though the farm isn’t operating under normal spring and summer hours, Johanson encourages those wanting to eat locally for the holidays to check in on products available. Call (360) 697-6224 or e-mail info@pheasantfields.com for more information.

Lilliputs

Lilliputs’ Sandy Hardisty, known through the market’s season for selling small flower bouquets, hanging baskets and tasty vegetables, takes on a craft of another kind through the winter.

“I do make wreaths this time of year,” she said. “I really enjoy doing them.”

Offering fresh evergreen wreaths as well as decorative table centerpieces, Hardisty has been making the adornments for eight years, and now sells via phone and the Simply Friends Gift Shows. Contact Hardisty at (360) 405-6365 for more information.

Effervescent Design

Orders even from out-of-state are already coming in to Elizabeth Hutley’s new easy-to-use Web site, which showcases her handmade, lead-free glass-sodered charms. Custom images, sayings and names, as well as children’s artwork and black and white or sepia effects can all be crafted into a piece by Hutley.

“It’s a very interactive site,” Hutley said. “You can do a lot of your own customizing on it.”

Clients can build pieces with their own colors, backing or art prints to include in their design. Pre-made products can be purchased as well.

“I tried to make it as easy as possible,” she said. “Right now there’s a real big trend in customizing your gifts and having on it something that nobody else has... Your imagination is the limit.”

Orders can now be placed at www.effervescentdesign.com. Hutley will also be vending at Bainbridge Island’s “Christmas in the Country,” Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Abundantly Green

Farm owner Marilyn Holt said Abundantly Green, which normally provides fresh sweet carrots, mixed greens, cabbage, herbs, zucchinis and a host of other mouth-watering vegetables during the market months, now has naturally-grown beef available.

“We are just sort of wrapping up the year,” she said. “We’ll be butchering some naturally-grown animals.”

A limited quantity of Holt Ranch beef is available by the whole, half or split side. The cost is $3 per pound hanging weight. A $50 deposit and .50 cent per pound cut and wrap fee are required. Call (360) 692-2504 for more information.

For more on all market vendors and their various offerings, including the succulent wreaths and wreath-making classes with Ann Pyles and Jessica Larson at Smoke Tree Farms, Bella Vita Coffee delivery and gift basket orders and Scoops Roasted Nuts craft show appearances, visit www.poulsbofarmersmarket.org.

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