MONROE — There’s a new farmers market opening next week in the historic downtown.
The Monroe Farmers Market will start at 501 East Main St. and extend northeast, with vendors lining N. Ann Street.
It is to be open from 3 to 7 p.m. July 15. The market is expected to keep those hours on Wednesdays through Oct. 14, as long as the weather cooperates.
Molly Daniels, the volunteer market manager, said as a mother of four, she tries to buy mostly fresh and local food for her family.
“A farmers market is a great way to accomplish that,” she said.
So Daniels enlisted the city and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce to help her organize a local farmers market. The city and the chamber have their sights set revitalizing downtown Monroe and the market could bring traffic into the area.
Una Wirkebau-Hartt, chamber director, said many people don’t realize how many foods are produced on local farms or how many mom-and-pop businesses are operating downtown. She hopes the market will increase traffic for the farms and businesses alike.
“The market is a great way to teach about organic and local and what dollars can do when they stay in the local economy,” Wirkebau-Hartt said.
As of Monday, 26 of the 32 market vendor slots were spoken for. Daniels said she believes they’ll be full by the market’s opening day.
She has a mix of vendors selling items such as ready-to-eat food, fruits, veggies, frozen yogurt, fresh flowers, hand-made wares and more.
Pastured Sensations, a rural Snohomish farm on U.S. 2, will be selling fresh, never-frozen chicken.
Skagit Sun Berries, a rural Burlington farm, will be offering strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Mount Vernon’s Sky Harvest Produce will be selling vegetables and fruits.
Rainy Sunday Ranch of Sultan will be offering local produce, herbs, and goat’s milk soap. The market also will feature raw honey from Monroe.
To make the market more than a place to shop, Daniels lined up live music to be played in Travelers Park, a grassy area near 501 East Main St., every Wednesday. The Banner Days, an acoustic band from Snohomish, will kick off the market next week.
Also in the park, Daniels enlisted the help of a Monroe favorite, Adam’s Northwest Bistro &Brewery, to host a beer and wine garden to entertain the adults.
Meanwhile, the kids can play a number of games and do activities, such as face painting, balloon animals and crafts.
“It’s family fun,” Daniels said. “Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy.”
People who are interested in more information and those who want to be a market vendor, or musicians seeking to perform, can call 360-421-1118 or email farmtotablemonroe@outlook.com.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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