The Coos Bay Farmers Market is preparing to open outdoors for the season on May 4. While farmers markets in general have been around since 1873, the Coos Bay markets only began in 2000. The Coos Bay Downtown Association runs the market on Central Avenue in downtown Coos Bay, between Highway 101 and Third Street. This year, the market will run from May 4 to Oct. 4. Hours will run from 9am to 2pm on Wednesdays every week. 

    While the market’s main focus is fresh eggs, meat, vegetables, fruits, and baked goods, it will also offer handcrafted trinkets and other items like soaps, glass figures, candles, homemade jams, jellies, honey, and more. 

    Clothing has become a bigger selling point for these markets. It is common to find booths with handmade aprons, t-shirts, skirts, and even dresses. 

    “The people who are selling the products, some people support their family this way,” said Crystal VanLandingham, owner of Crystal Tie-Dye.

    This event provides plenty of entertainment like face painting, henna tattoo booths, and music, along with  food trucks and stands that provide a wide variety of food and serve as a great way to gather socially and enjoy food, arts and performances put on by the locals. 

    “People should experience the market first hand. I truly feel like there is something there for everyone,” said VanLandingham.

    The market is also very close to the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center, and the downtown business district in Coos Bay, where market customers may browse while they are spending time walking the downtown area. If the food from trucks and booths at the market aren’t to their liking they may browse the local shops to their desire. Not only do visitors have the opportunity to pick up local handmade items, but the money they spend benefits the community as a whole.