What a beautiful Saturday to have the Harvest Party. The crisp air filled with sun, the vendors’ booths overflowing with veggies, music from the stage, a line of people getting a taste of the Homer Farmers’ Market minestrone, stew, salads, breads and desserts.  And Westley Newcomb announced as the turkey raffle winner.

The market is now officially transitioning. Though the craft vendors, kids’ activities and music won’t be around anymore, harvest is still in full swing.  

There still will be producers showing up for at least a couple of weeks.  Amy from Swift Creek Canyon Produce will keep bringing that beautiful broccoli until it runs out. Dan and Luba still have more of their colorful collection of potatoes. Charles has a week or two more of tomatoes. And Twitter Creek will continue bringing everything from pak choy and turnips to herbs. Will Grow Farms will return if their rows of cabbages survive these frosts.

Depending on what the weather brings, there are those who plan to come for even longer. Bob Durr still has plenty of produce, like his cauliflower, potatoes and carrots, to continue on at the market for weeks.  Robert Heimbach could have squash, lettuce, kale and napa cabbage, even when it means he also needs to break out the burn barrel to stay warm. Even Sweet Berries Jams and Jellies is planning to come through October.

There are some vendors who will still be accessible even though they are not at the market. Cow share owners can still get their milk, cheese or butter from Kevin Byers at the new drop-off point at the Mermaid Café. To set up an order, call the local contacts, Joe and Annie, at 235-5184. Fans of Simply Fresh Salsa can match up with Hionia in the parking lot of the blue building on the corner of Lake Street and Pioneer from 4-6 p.m. on Saturdays.

This transition to October doesn’t mean the end of the market; locals still need to eat. Don’t forget to do your veggie shopping at the market on Wednesdays around 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays around 10 a.m.-3 p.m. And thanks Homer for all your support.

Kyra Wagner is the director of Sustainable Homer and the Homer Farmer’s Market’s biggest fan.