Are you one of those curious people who wonder how things work? Well, after wondering many times over the years, I decided to find out what makes Tonasket Farmers’ Market Work. Let’s explore together the anatomy of a market. The whole is much more than a summary of individual components, just as we are more than arms, legs, liver, etc. Nevertheless, to understand the whole you must examine the parts.

Let’s start with the head, for without the brain as control central, the parts remain just parts. The “mastermind” here, if you will, is the Market Manager. For the past three years, this position has been capably filled by Matt Welles, who keeps things functioning smoothly. Welles shows up early, makes sure each vendor is in the proper space, and collects the weekly participation fees. He is also the go-to guy to answer questions that arise and to make on-the-spot decisions.

A brain alone cannot act, as it is incapable of carrying out its’ own directives. Similarly, Welles has the consent and cooperation of the market vendors as well as that of the board and management of The Community Cultural Center. Each year, in early spring, market vendors and CCC representatives hold a meeting, during which ground rules for the coming season are ratified, and the Market Manager is elected. These regulations act as the physiology of the market organism, keeping all parts functioning in harmony. Any disputes among the members are examined by the doctors; Welles or River Jones, CCC Executive Director, who make decisions based on the overall health of the market. An unhealthy organism may wither and die, but not so with our local market. It is a growing and thriving entity.

Now a word about my favorite part of the market’s anatomy, the senses. As a shopper, I don’t see all the work behind the scenes. I merely enjoy the sight (brilliant fresh flowers and vegetables), the sound (conversation with growers and children laughing), the smell (tamales and ripe cantaloupe), and most of all the taste (farm fresh and delicious). You can give your senses a treat every Thursday from 3-7. See you at the market!