The story behind the beginnings and evolution of the first Farmers Market on 30A is as interesting and innovative as Seaside itself. The original concept drew upon a resourceful marketing idea from Seaside founder Daryl Davis back in the early 1980s. Davis wanted to create a sense of community and reinforce the lifestyle concepts they hoped would shape Seaside. So she started an open-air market: sourcing fresh flowers and vegetables, locally baked bread and shrimp fished from our gulf waters, all for sale.
In 2008, with an interest and clear vision from Raw & Juicy Organic Juice Bar and Café owner, Jenifer Kuntz, work began on developing her idea for a year-round weekly farmers market in Seaside. As it underscored their ideals started years before, the Davis family wholeheartedly agreed with her plans. The very first market showcased local products from three vendors — hence the start of a new Seaside tradition.
To this day, Raw & Juicy’s Airstream serves as an anchor, welcoming the market’s guests. Weekly visitors are greeted by its corner-side presence, and often stop there first for a healthful breakfast or beverage as they begin their market stroll. Kuntz manages the rotation of market vendors and is proud of the diverse products they bring to the area. She is quick to point out that some of 30A’s most popular eats were “born” from vendors who started at the Seaside Farmers Market — including Sweet Henrietta’s, Chanticleer and Twin Oaks Farm’s FarmStand.
Kuntz was raised in Alaska and has collected a rich traveler’s viewpoint as her college and early adult years took her to Washington, Colorado, Philly and California. Since 2002, she’s called 30A her home. She is a natural leader — ever mindful to let her business strategies take their shape from her own personal principles: nourishing the mind and body. It is conviction and dedication to these beliefs that has brought her success. In addition to managing the market and the juice bar, in June 2015 she opened a retail space: Raw & Juicy Life. Her lifestyle brand now includes the sale of packaged raw foods and real-food cleanses, classes in raw food preparation, as well as yoga and raw food retreats.
She has been called 30A’s missionary — bringing her message to the people. But all terms of endearment aside, her businesses have always stayed ahead of the curve. Her raw and organic juices were not all the rage when she first opened. Through projects like the Farmers Market it has taken time, creativity and patience to cultivate her loyal following. But she built it. And now they come. c
Located at the corner of 30A and Central Square in Seaside is the Raw & Juicy Airstream café. The Seaside Farmers Market is held every Saturday, rain or shine, Labor Day to Memorial Day from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Memorial Day to Labor Day 8 a.m. – 12 noon.
Visit the Seaside Farmers Market on facebook.