ASTORIA SUNDAY MARKET ENDS OCTOBER 9th

The 2011 Astoria Sunday Market (ASM) season is coming to a close in just three weeks. Sunday, October 9, is the final day of the Market season so there is still time to stock up on favorite items to last through the winter or to get some early holiday shopping done. “Many Market patrons take advantage of the final days of the season to make sure they have enough canned tuna, soap, towels and other items,” explains director Cyndi Mudge. “While many vendors do offer online sales it’s much easier and more fun to buy directly from our artisans’ right here in Astoria.” Mudge notes that quite a few vendors are happy to do custom orders, “So don’t hesitate to ask if you want something special before the season ends.”

There is also great produce this time of year and Astoria Sunday Market has a number of farmers that come each week including Kingfisher Farms, which is the only coastal farm represented; DeAsis Farms; Iko Farms; Candy Her Farm specializing in Asian vegetables; and Packer's Orchards. "We also have a number of 'micro-farms' typically located in The Square between Duane and Exchange," added Mudge. Fresh produce is a treat to be savored these last few weeks remaining.

Astoria Sunday Market is involved in a number of projects during its final weeks including coordinating food vendors for the Northwest Brew Cup September 24-25 at the old train station east of Columbia River Maritime Museum, providing vendors for the cruise ships arriving at the Port September 25, 26 & 27, and coordinating marketing and vendors for the Astoria Timber Festival on Saturday, October 8, at Clatsop County Fairgrounds.

The Astoria Sunday Market is a non profit 501 (c) 3 organization formed to revitalize historic downtown Astoria and to improve the economic viability and vitality of farmers, artists, artisans and other small business operators in the Pacific Northwest. The Market is dedicated to creating a vibrant educational marketplace for the community benefit. Funds raised from Astoria Sunday Market go towards programs and projects that benefit downtown. Since its inception, Astoria Sunday Market has raised and donated $137,000. Recipients include Liberty Theater, the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival, Surging Waves Chinese Garden, Astoria Music Festival and Astoria Regatta, among many others.