Regarding Mary Ridivus’ letter to the editor, the fledgling Auburn International Farmers Market (AIFM) is just finishing its fourth season and the Puyallup Market is celebrating its 30th season.

I had to say something to educate Ridivus and provide some facts about the successes of the AIFM:

Fact: In 2011, only after three seasons, the market was popular enough to be recognized as the 12th-best market in the United States.

Fact: The market has sustained its vendor business base, even when we had wet and cold springs in the past several years.

Fact: The market has increased farmers and other vendor sales and profits significantly beyond our business plan.

Fact: The market has increased its level of service in just a few years by contracting with garden personalities, such as Cisco Morris, Marianne Benetti, Ed Hume and food chef demonstrators. More are planned for 2013.

Fact: The market has sustained its grant successes over the past four seasons and hope to continue with our prime sponsors, such as the City of Auburn, King Conservation District, Waste Management, Master Gardeners, 4 Culture, Soroptimists and the Muckleshoot Tribe.

Fact: The market is extremely fortunate and proud to have a dedicated group of volunteers who give up their Sundays for 16 weeks to provide an outstanding community service to the city by their support and dedication. Joanne Macnab, the AIFM market manager and leader, organizes and sustains the operation in its positive, forward push for growth and healthy attendance.

Finally, in 2012, the AIFM was named among the Top 5 Favorite Markets in Washington State.

– Bill Peloza, market founder, Auburn City Council member