By SUE RYAN
News staff writer
March 31, 2007

This Sunday marks the start of Cascade Locks Farmers Market on the downtown plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This is the second year for the market, which is organized by farmer Peter Tuomala. He began Windance Farms and Art several years ago after leaving a job with the state.

“I used to work as a park ranger in the Gorge, just decided to start farming again,” he said.

This year’s market will have a new feature of a cooperative booth. Tuomala said this helps the community to join in, add new vendors and grow the market.

“For example, a Hood River farmer who is doing the Portland market who would want to do more markets, can drop their stuff in Cascade Locks on their way,” he said. “We sell and represent their items.”

Those interested in selling produce, plants or art can visit his Web site at www.windancefarmsandart.com for registration information. There is a $25 fee and 25 percent of sales goes to the market.

“I have a lot of elderly single women who otherwise couldn’t do this on their own participate,” he said. “The same for young business people just wanting to get on their feet.”