POULSBO — After more than a year of planning, the Poulsbo Farmers Market is now less than four months from its inaugural opening day.

And in true Little Norway style, it will have a decidedly Scandinavian flair to it.

The Nordic signal horn and a big friend named Farmer Fjord have been chosen as the symbols of the upcoming market. The organizers behind the agriculture- and artisan-oriented group recently chose the two as part of a marketing plan they will soon be kicking off to bring vendors, shoppers and members to them. The concept was the idea of local public relations guru Chris Case.

“She showed it to us and we all just loved it,” said PFM president Ann Pyles.

And they’re hoping it works to bring even more people into the fold. The group is now on the look out for vendors and community members to join the Washington State non-profit. Its first annual membership meeting will take place at 7 p.m. March 29 at First Lutheran Church.

The PFM recently sent out 300 vendor applications. There are also application sheets on its Web site. The market, which opens July 10, is looking for: farmers of any kind of produce; fishermen and clammers; producers of things like honey, eggs, smoked seafood, cheese and jams; growers of cut flowers and herbs; Farm crafters offering items like dried flowers and handmade baskets; vendors of on-the-site prepared foods made with Washington ingredients; and even local vintners and microbrewers.

As a Washington State Farmers Market Association site, the Poulsbo Farmers Market will carry only Washington State produce, artisan products and farm crafts with special attention to local vendors.

Vendors are welcome to apply to be part of the market any time, however, Pyles said after April 30, they cannot be guaranteed space. She’s hoping the majority of those interested will get in touch with PFM earlier rather than later.

“We want the vendors to come forward now, we don’t want them to wait, so we can plan the market,” Pyles said.

So far, with the vendors who have signed up, the market’s offerings include crepes, a Colinwood Farms Community Supported Agriculture pick-up, stone fruits from Wenatchee, flowers and heirloom tomatoes.

But besides vendors, there are other ways locals can become a part of the market.

“We have several levels of membership to welcome as many people as possible,” Pyles said.

Membership levels are:

•Vendor Member — applicant signs up to be a vendor for all or some of the market and has voting rights at meetings

•Daily Vendor — applicant may try out being a vendor at the market a few times but does not have voting rights

•Community Member — applicant is a community member but not a vendor. Has voting rights and may sign up to help out in a variety of aspects of the market

•Youth Vendor — vendor is younger than 18. Does not have voting rights. Must have a parent or guardian sign application

All membership applications will be reviewed by a vendor relations committee.

And while the market comes into the final stretch before opening, Pyles said she’s hoping community members will come to their upcoming meeting to hear about their plans. The March 29 gathering will include election of a board of directors, overview of the group’s finances and assignments of committees for members.

Pyles said it will also be the first place to get a sneak preview of the special events being planned for the 2004 market. Some ideas include live music, chef demonstrations, children’s activities and cooking or produce contests.

“There’ll be some really wonderful activities for all ages,” Pyles said of the market.

The Nordic signal horn will be used as the symbol of the Poulsbo Farmers Market.