South County residents have never been able to rely on the sun to let them know warm weather is on its way.
Fortunately, there is a sure sign that summer will indeed come: the opening of farmers market season. With many markets located in and around South Snohomish County, everyone can enjoy the fresh food experience that’s right for them, rain or shine.
The backbone of the markets is the produce vendors, selling fresh fruits and veggies throughout the summer. Right now, expect more greens, asparagus, radishes and root vegetables; fruits and berries will be the focus as the weather warms.
Plant vendors selling seedling tomatoes, lettuce plants, and herbs allow you to become your own farmer – and they’ll give you the expertise to keep them alive.
Cross off the rest of your grocery list by visiting organic meat, coffee, eggs, honey and artisan bread vendors.
And complete the market experience by indulging in a treat: most markets have snow cones, freshly popped kettle corn or handmade local ice cream.
Here’s a preview of the markets happening nearby:
Mountlake Terrace: The new kid on the block
Start a weekend of market-hopping early by visiting the brand-new Mountlake Terrace Farmers Market on Thursday afternoons.
The market had its inaugural run May 6, where guests enjoyed a sunny break in the cloud cover and colorful bundles of balloons. “We were extremely pleased (with opening day),” said Grant Davidson, market manager.
About two dozen white and red vendors tents line each side of a city block at the fledgling market, set against a backdrop of building equipment – the market edges the site of the future home of the city’s new Civic Campus.
Although smaller than the other markets, Mountlake Terrace already boasts perennial market favorites like Full Circle Farm and Tiny’s Organic – and has definite plans to grow, both in future years and as more produce comes in season this year. But the main ingredient needed for the market to expand? Support.
“We need the community to support the market,” said Davidson. “That’s what keeps farmers markets going.”
When: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, May 6 to October
Where: 58th Avenue between the corner of 232nd Street Southwest and the entrance to the Civic Campus, Mountlake Terrace
More information: www.ci.mountlake-terrace.wa.us
Bothell: A family-friendly afternoon
Country Village has always had day trip potential: add the live music, fresh fruits and vegetables, and face painting of the Bothell Farmers Market and it’s a guaranteed good time for a Friday afternoon.
This market opens later than the other South County markets, with vendors arriving June 4.
“There is a really good variety of interesting things this year,” said Nancy Stoll, market manager. In addition to the produce vendors and a host of local craftspeople, there will also be a baker who specializes in cupcakes, or “pupcakes,” for dogs.
“She makes people cupcakes too,” Stoll assures.
And though all the markets are family-friendly, the Bothell market has one unique attraction for kids: the Country Village train ride.
When: Noon-6 p.m. every Friday from June 4 to Sept. 24
Where: 23718 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell
More information: www.countryvillagebothell.com/farmersmarket
Edmonds: The street fair experience
The Edmonds Museum Garden Market is already bursting with activity, vendors and patrons, and it isn’t even berry season yet. The Garden Market, the precursor to the Summer Market, which begins in July, opened May 1.
“People really want to support local farmers,” market manager Neil Landaas said.
The spring market is more food-oriented than its summer counterpart – which has more of a craft emphasis – so it’s hard to resist handmade crepes, or new food vendors selling woodfire pizza or Middle Eastern fare.
Landaas said the market is hosting a lot of vendors that are new, small and local this year. But don’t worry: old favorites, like the Snohomish Bakery, are back again as well. “Most of the old farmers are coming back,” Landaas said.
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, May 1- June 26; Summer market opens July 3
Where: Public Safety parking lot at Fifth Street and Bell Street intersection, Edmonds
More Information: www.historicedmonds.org/SummerMarket.html
Lake Forest Park: The foodies’ market
On opening day of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, the flower vendors were busy. It was Mother’s Day, and customers crowded around buckets filled with brightly colored tulips and lilies, calling out orders for bouquets.
Located next to Third Place Commons, the Lake Forest Park market is in its fifth year of being a popular outing for a sunny summer Sunday. This year, the market is focusing on new, young farmers, said Constance Perenyi, executive director of the Friends of Third Place Commons, who sponsors the market.
“So many young people want to get into farming,” she said. “(At a market), they get immediate feedback.”
Food education will also be a part of this year’s market, Perenyi said; the market received a grant to begin a nutrition education program as part of its already existing food assistance program. Starting in the middle of summer, the program will include chef’s demos and interactive activities for kids.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, May 9 to October 4
Where: 17171 Bothell Way NE, PMB 323, Lake Forest Park
More Information: www.thirdplacecommons.org/farmersmarket/index.html
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