Story by Gini Davis

A variety of local produce, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, plant starts, flowers and scrumptious goodies that included fresh-made strawberry shortcake and smoothies has been drawing steady crowds to Creswell's Farmers' Market each Tuesday afternoon this summer.

Author Elin England also visited the market on July 27 to promote her book Eating Close to Home.

But it's the convenience and quality of its food offerings that keep customers flowing in, not only to the Creswell Farmers' Market but also to farmers' markets throughout the country.

"One of the biggest things driving the current popularity of farmers' markets is that people are becoming aware of how far their food travels, and there's also a safety issue," explained Elyse Grau, volunteer coordinator for the Creswell Farmers' Market.

"A lot of our produce is imported from other countries, and it's very difficult to control that, the quality and the safety," Grau added, also citing "hidden costs" such as transportation and middlemen.

"Here, you buy directly from the vendor and your food travels maybe 50 miles at the most," Grau said. "That's more environmentally friendly and economically sound."

To promote such localized markets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified the first week of August as National Farmers' Market week, Grau noted.

Creswell's Farmers' Market, which opened May 4 and is slated to continue through Oct. 12, is open Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the old lumberyard located behind Creswell Library.

Initially organized by Creswell Library employees Yaakov Levine and Stacey Marple, the market from its first season enjoyed an enthusiastic reception from vendors and townspeople alike.

While the market continues to be sponsored by Creswell Library, Grau now serves as the organizer and contact person for vendors.

"I coordinate everything, contact vendors, try to get new vendors occasionally and serve as the contact person and as kind of the enforcer for the market's policies and rules," said Grau, who noted that the market will be open two weeks later this year than last year.

Because of the cool, wet spring's effect on crops, "I think everything's a little late this year," Grau observed.

Regular local vendors include Sweetwater Farms, which offers Community Supported Agriculture food sharing, delivering organic fruits and vegetables to subscribers weekly; and Cottonwood Runn, Ruby and Amber's Organic Oasis, Brice Creek Croft and Blue Sage Farm, all of which offer fresh produce.

Heidi Tunnell Catering Company offers fresh-baked goods such as breads, muffins, cinnamon rolls and brownies, as well as dinners to go, while crafters Emily Harter and Beaded Inspirations offer handmade jewelry and other items.

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm offers locally raised beef and chicken, while Rancho Tennis sells locally raised lamb and fresh eggs and Pilaczynski Chicks sells eggs, produce and vegetable starts.

Brice Creek Croft also sells chicken and eggs, and TJ's Big Horse Farm also sells farm-fresh eggs, while Woodland Meadow Farm offers alpaca products.

Cruise Inn Espresso and Snacks vends fresh strawberry shortcake and smoothies, and the market also features live violin music by accomplished local teen Faith Grossnicklaus, who plays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekly.

Wacky Produce and Beat the Grower contests have spiced up the market this year, with local gardeners invited to bring in their strangest-looking produce to be photographed for the market's Virtual Wacky Produce Museum or attempt to grow a larger tomato, zucchini or cabbage than the market's vendors.

From Sept. 21 through Oct. 5, market-goers will also be invited to vote for their favorite piece of wacky produce.

While terming this summer's turnout to date "satisfactory," Grau urged additional area residents to come out and support their local Farmers' Market.

"This is a way of bringing fresh produce to the community, and it's more convenient," she said, noting that some local residents cannot easily travel out of town to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

"Buying fresh local produce means you're getting better produce than you can get in most grocery stores, and you're also supporting local small businesses," Grau added.