Rusty’s Produce blows back to life

Despite 79-mph winds last week that sent its 30-by-40-foot tent sailing and tossed cantaloupes like fruit salad, Rusty’s Produce is back in business.

“It was rough but we got her open,” said Rusty Keele, owner of the 15-year-old stand at Sprague Avenue and McDonald Road.

Last Tuesday, a freakish windstorm straight out of the “The Wizard of Oz” uprooted the tent, which was anchored by 450-pound barrels, and sent it flying into nearby power poles.

Two wooden power poles snapped under the tent’s weight as an estimated $1,500 to $2,000 worth of fruits and veggies went airborne and a small stove blew into the street.

Instead of waiting for an insurance adjuster, Keele resurrected a red-and-white striped tent that he’d previously used at a north Spokane stand and reopened on Sunday.

The new tent went up in time for him to accept a shipment of Bing cherries that arrived for the holiday week, which kicks off the stand’s busy season, Keele said.

On Monday, Jacob Fisk was toting around his 16-month-old son, Cooper, as his wife, Angela, browsed through cherries.

Fisk, a chiropractor at South Pines Chiropractic Office and regular customer, was happy the stand reopened.

“Rusty provides a great value and it’s a great service,” Fisk said.

Business is getting back to normal, with shipments of fresh produce arriving almost daily. Within two or three weeks, locally grown corn – which is picked and delivered fresh daily – will be available.

A stream of regular customers, picking up everything from avocados to green peppers, offered words of encouragement. Some even wanted to set up a “Rusty fund” to help.

The hugs and encouragement made the ordeal more bearable, Keele said, adding that he’s grateful for the support.

“We’re Valley people. We love the Valley so we’re just going to make our final stand here.”