Manzanita Farmers Market Now Taking Applications; Introducing New Market Manager

First off, Manzanita Farmers Market has a new manager – Carolina Lysse (pronounced Caroleena Lease), and many of you already know her. She moved to Nehalem in 2023 after pivoting from a 20 year market farming career.  Carolina grew produce, flowers, and plant starts at Corvus Landing Farm in Neskowin, selling through the Neskowin Farmers Market (where she was also a board member), a 115 member CSA, and her own farm stand.  Prior to that, she worked for farms in the Eugene area and sold at the Eugene and PSU markets.  Now Carolina is the assistant manager for Cove Built, the construction company building the new city hall right next to the farmers market.

Carolina says, “I love farmers markets and I’m so happy for the chance to be a part of the MFM.  I believe the Manzanita market is really special.  It is one of the largest and most varied farmers markets on the coast, and it has a devoted customer and community following.  I have vended and farmed alongside many of you, and I know what a great community of vendors we have. “

She continued, “I believe that the diversity of vendors is what makes a market work.  Any one of us cannot provide the shopping experience that we all create together, and that’s what brings people in and makes the market successful.  Customers love the experience of supporting a range of local growers, makers, and businesses, and knowing that the lineup and offerings will be different each week keeps them coming back.  The market is a gathering place and a community hub.  It circulates money through our community, provides a venue for artists and musicians, and is a place for kids to grow.  I believe the market works best when we see each other as collaborators and colleagues rather than competition.”

She has filled many roles at many farmers markets: booth assistant, farm vendor, board member and president, community tabler, and musician.  “I’m excited to finally take the role of manager, where I hope to facilitate your success,” concludes Carolina.

Cheers to an excellent 2025 season to come!

A few other notes about the 2025 season:

• We have added a week at the beginning of the season to give us all a chance to warm up before the holiday weekend and to capture some extra early season sales.  Market will open May 16 and run for 19 weeks.
• By popular demand, we have brought back the option for full season vendors to pay booth fees up front with a 5% discount.  You can select this option when you apply.
• The priority application period is from now until April 1.  All applications submitted and paid during the priority application period will have full and equal consideration by the MFM Board. I will respond by email to your application from info@manzanitafarmersmarket.com within 30 days.
• City Hall construction is scheduled to be complete at the beginning of market season.  There’s a lot of exciting possibilities about how the new building and space will support the market, and we’ll keep you posted as the season goes on.
• Note that there is a non-refundable $30 application fee. Non-profits tabling in the community booth do not have to pay the application fee
• All vendors are required to attend a pre-season orientation in April (date TBA).  We’ll have both an in person and online option.
• Please download and read the new handbook!  By applying to the market, you are agreeing to abide by the policies laid out therein.