June 12, 2025 Seward Folly Staff

SEWARD — The Saturday Farmer’s Market is back for its fifth year, opening this weekend under the leadership of organizer Ryan Wanamaker. Sponsored by the Seward Wilderness Collective, the market has become a summer staple for the community, connecting residents with locally grown food and artisan goods.

Wanamaker, who has a background in managing small farms in both California and Trondheim, Norway, says his vision for the market is rooted in reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

“The global food supply chain has been disrupted. Fifty years ago, everyone here grew their own vegetables. We want to bring back that relationship with food, support local growers, and strengthen the bond between people and nature. That’s what I love about the Farmer’s Market. It’s about caring for ourselves and each other, right here at home.”

– Ryan Wanamaker

Growing produce in the Eastern Peninsula isn’t without its challenges — decreased sunlight, frequent rain, and strong winds can make cultivation tough. To ensure variety and supply, Wanamaker often sources produce from Wilderness Earth Farms and Jackson Family Gardens in Soldotna, though he believes there’s potential for more local production. He maintains a homestead in Moose Pass and encourages others to explore growing closer to Seward.

Tomorrow’s market will offer live plants for transplanting, greens grown by Qutekcak’s hydroponic Conex box, duck eggs, kombucha, jewelry, handcrafted soaps, hot food, preserved goods, and fresh vegetables from Soldotna. Shoppers hoping for fresh produce should arrive early, as it often sells out within the first hour. Special this year is the addition of Big Beach Bicycle Cooperative offering bike maintenance pop-ups.

Vendors can still sign up to participate with a straightforward registration process. Organizers note that this year, the market is operating at cost due to a lack of grant funding.

The Seward Farmer’s Market opens tomorrow and will continue throughout the summer, providing a gathering place for local food, creativity, and community.

2025 Market Dates

Every Saturday from June 14 to September 6

No Market on July 5

Downtown Seward, next to Ranting Raven on 4th Ave

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.