Spend Thursday nights in Washington

Many towns have a regular farmers market, but the town of Washington, Iowa, has taken theirs to a whole new level.

Back in 1988, market organizers took what had been a Saturday morning market at a local parking lot and moved it to Thursday evenings on the downtown square.

“We changed the atmosphere,” says market manager Bob Shepherd, “and it's been up ever since.”

Today, the Washington Farmers Market features an average of 20 to 30 vendors per week, sometimes as many as 45, and is part of an entire evening of activities and entertainment. The Farmers Market itself runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the Chamber hosts Thursday Night Live, which features a variety of musical entertainment. “Everything from well known entertainers to new local bands,” Shepherd says. “Then from 8 to 9 p.m. our municipal band plays.” Shepherd notes that the weekly band concerts have been a tradition since 1932. Local businesses also stay open late, making for a wonderful evening of shopping and socializing.

Drawing in hundreds of people each week, Thursday nights “have become the social highlight of the week in Washington,” Shepherd says.

The Farmers Market prides itself on being a mini fair of sorts. “We try to do a special event once a month,” Shepherd says.

Upcoming events include:

Thursday, June 21

The BBQ Smoker Challenge

Catfish Keith will perform.

Thursday, July 19

Ice Cream Social

Taste free samples of handcranked ice cream.

Thursday, Aug. 30

Tasters Choice Salsa Contest

Pick your favorite from among 20 to 30 entries in a blind taste test.

According to Shepherd, the Washington Farmers Market has served as a business incubator of sorts. “We only charge $3 per table,” he says. “We don't want the cost of the table to stop someone from coming and participating. Anything you make, bake or grow yourself is eligible.”

Shepherd mentions several vendors who have started a small business after getting their start at the Farmers Market. A local woman began selling her salsa at the Washington Farmers Market and now sells her salsa at Hy-Vee stores throughout the area.

The first Washington Farmers Market of the season will be held on Thursday, May 17, and will run every week through Oct. 25. Thursday Night Live entertainment and the Municipal Band concerts will run June through August. For more information call Washington's City Hall at (319) 653-6585 or email Bob Shepherd directly at shep_farms02@yahoo.com.