PORT TOWNSEND — Libby Urner, Port Townsend Farmers Market’s new manager, says she wants to keep with the program for now, especially in light of $500,000 in gross sales last year.

Urner, who the farmers market board hired to start Feb. 1 to succeed Harv Singh, sees 2006 as a management transition year.

Urner, 42, said she thought she had the skills to succeed Singh, citing her 20 years experience in the high-tech industry as a technical writer and six years as boat exhibitor for Port Townsend’s annual Wooden Boat Festival.

She also was events director for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s annual Low Tide Festival.

It also helps that she’s a big fan of the market.

“I knew Harv was leaving and I was really pleased with the direction the market was taking,” said Urner, adding that her marketing and management skills fit the bill for the job.

Singh left the market after four years to perform similar work as a consultant in Los Angeles.

Position split in two

The market board split the market manager position into two posts, making Nick Hill the market’s on-site manager.

Hill will be at the market all the time during its season, coordinating tasks, such as vendors and parking.

Urner will take on the big-picture jobs, such as marketing and adding attractions to the event that starts its 14th season April 29 at its Uptown location, Lawrence and Tyler streets, in front the Port Townsend Community Center.

The Saturday market will run 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, she said.

No market is scheduled for the Rhododendron Festival on May 20.

The Wednesday Uptown market will run from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 14-Sept. 27 at Polk and Lawrence streets.