Editor’s Note: Originally published December 8, 2020.

You know the place.

The quaint green house beside the outdoor market selling seasonal goods at the busy corner of Broadway and 16th street.

Country Farms. 

Christmas trees in the winter. Produce in the summer. The same family has owned this long-time Everett institution since 1946. 

Until now. 

This year, Bill Proctor officially took over ownership of the Everett stand.

I was excited to receive a message on Instagram from Bill’s daughter inviting me to pop-by. Both because my family has bought our Christmas tree from the stand every year as a part of our annual tradition, and because we happened to be planning to go that very same week.

The idyllic open-air market has always struck a nostalgic chord within me. I was excited to learn more.

Bill and I chatted through our masks in his office in the quaint green house while my family searched for just the right tree.

Since he was 18 years old, Bill has worked for Country Farms. He started at the Smokey Point location originally (Country Farms has 3 additional stands in the region), and took over managing the  Everett stand in 1998.

This year, he took over ownership of the Everett location from the Waters family; who are the original owners. Country Farms was first started by Jay Waters selling out of the back of a pickup truck in 1946. Since he was 15 years old Bill has been friends with Jay’s son, Rod Waters. The families share a long history. 

Having been in the business for so long, I asked Bill what his favorite part was. Without any hesitation he shared, “the people.” 

It’s clear he loves interacting with the community and getting to know the regulars. 

Covid has been challenging. He used to love it when someone asked about a fruit they had never tried before. “What’s that, you’ve never tried a cosmic crisp apple? Here you go!” He would say, and cut off a slice on the spot so they could try a sample. 

While he can’t do samples during these socially-distanced times, he still loves hearing what customers want. Especially since he’s the owner now and in charge of all the ordering. He’s excited to try out more new products, and really listen to what customers. This last summer was their first time carrying black watermelon, and it turned out to be one of the best sellers. 

After chatting for a few minutes we went out to check on my family. My daughter found her favorite Christmas tree!

All of Country Farms’ trees are grown locally here in Washington. 

They even flock the trees themselves, though that’s done at one of their other local locations before they bring the flocked trees to the Everett stand. 

Whether you like flocked trees, nobles, spruces, or anything in-between for your Christmas needs, or some delicious affordable fruit in the summer, Country Farms is a great neighborhood business excited for you to stop on by. 

Bill and the team are ready to serve you at Country Farms.

You know the place. 

The quaint green house beside the outdoor market selling seasonal goods at the busy corner of Broadway and 16th street

Stop on by.

Country Farms
1529 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 259-4702

Garret is the co-founder + CEO of Live in Everett.