October 2016
Not only is the Grants Pass Grower’s Market celebrating a successful 36th year in operation, but they have evolved into one of the largest growers’ market in all of Oregon. Operated by the Southern Oregon Growers Association, a 501c3 nonprofit, the market’s hallmark of success is the fresh, local produce and farm-direct products like eggs, cheeses, organic beef, honey and seasonal fruit.
Market Manager Bob Schaller, who took over the reins two years ago, credits a lot of people for its success.
“Much of the market’s success should be attributed to the previous manager for her hard work and years of dedication,” Schaller said. “Our pride and joy are our growers, but I cannot go without mentioning the other incredibly talented local ‘foodies’ and crafters. There are premier bakeries in the Growers’ Market, along with world-recognized artists and crafters. Sauces and salsas run the entire spectrum from tame to OMG hot—sweet, savory and just plain good. There is something for every palate and every appetite.”
Bob and his family moved to the Rogue Valley in 1989 from Mountain View, California, after a nine month search looking for the perfect community. They found it in the Rogue Valley.
“Prior to arriving here, my career had been all technology sales and service,” he said. “My plan was to stay in technology, but when Litton left town, it was time to adjust that strategy, and my wife and I opened a small booth at what used to be Savannah Faire. I moved on from that and eventually accepted an ad sales position at the Daily Courier, then later with the Medford Mail Tribune, before finally becoming the manager of the market. It seemed the perfect fit for putting my desire to grow my town’s business climate and support local farms with my business experience.”
Bob is also happy to report that the EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) Service has been reinstated. “Our 2016 EBT premiere was last Saturday, September 17, and it operated perfectly without a hitch,” he said. “All patrons holding WIC (a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children) coupons should redeem those coupons in the market before the end of October. EBT will remain open all year.”
The summer market at 4th and F Streets (behind the Post Office) will be open every Saturday through the end of October. Starting on November 5th, the entire operation will move to the Winter Market at the Fairgrounds (both inside and outside), for its third season. It will run until March 18, 2017, when the market moves back to 4th & F. The hours at the markets are always 9am from 1pm.
For more information, Bob can be reached at 541-816-1144. Check out their webpage at growersmarket.org, and you can like them on Facebook.
