Farmers are the real deal on the Key Peninsula

Market open in Key Center, will run through September

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Asmall crowd had already gathered at the Key Peninsula Farmers Market when the bell rang to signal the start of business at noon on Sunday. Coffee began to flow, fresh vegetable plants and herbs added their own aroma to the air and vendors displayed artwork and handcrafted beauty products.

The farmers at the market are the real McCoy — many of them make their living selling their goods at different markets around the area. Several vendors on hand also participate in the annual Key Peninsula farm tour.

Donna White held her hands in the air and fluttered her fingers, showing off the dirt in her fingernails.

“I’m a farmer,” she said. “Check the fingernails. I’m the real deal.”

Donna and her husband, Steve White, run the Morgan Creek Farm and hit six markets a week, including the Wednesday and Saturday markets in Gig Harbor.

“Business has been great,” Donna said. “A lot of people are staying home and starting their own gardens. A lot of people are becoming gardening people.”

That’s good news for the Whites, who sell fresh vegetable starter plants ready to put in the ground. They also sell a variety of fresh flowers like lilies, sunflowers and peonies.

Dave and Cate Runn of the Calico Cat Farm also participate in several markets a week with the help of other family members. The Runns sell hanging flower baskets, herbs, eggs and fresh produce.

“We also sell from the house,” Cate Runn said. “Business has been pretty good. People in the community want to support the farmers.”

Nadia Waldner of Lakebay, who was visiting the market for the first time this season, said she was surprised that such a strong farming community exists on the Key.

“I only moved here a couple years ago,” she said while she purchased a fresh jar of honey from “The Bee Lady.” She also bought some newly cut lettuce and farm eggs.

“I went on the farm tour last year,” she said. “You don’t get to normally visit these farms, and they’re so beautiful. It was a real eye-opener to see what a large farming community there is here.”

Dianne and Mike Kartes were selling their all-natural soaps and beauty products under their business name, “Dimiker Skinsations.”

“I make everything from scratch,” Dianne Dimiker said. “I use all oils and no animal products.”

The proof is on the label — all of Dimiker’s soaps have the ingredients listed on the side.

The Key Peninsula Farmers Market opened May 31 and will continue through Sept. 27.

Key Peninsula Farmers Market

Time: Noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays through Sept. 27.

Location: O’Callahan’s Pub & Grill parking lot, 15610 92nd St. KPN in Key Center.