Fresh produce, local crafts on tap at Farmers market
May 16, 2008
By Emily Keller
More than 18 months of planning efforts by the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and farmers from Snoqualmie and Skagit Valley have finally paid off.
The Sammamish Farmers Market is set to open May 21, bringing fresh produce to local residents on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Sammamish Commons at City Hall, 801 228th Avenue Southeast. The market continues through October 1.
“(Sammamish is) going to have access to incredibly fresh produce picked just moments before, really literally just minutes before market, which is known to have a greater nutritional quality,” said Heidi Bohan, market manager, who will ring the opening bell on opening day.
The Chamber of Commerce is running the market, which is funded by the City Council at a cost of about $20,000 for the first year, said Dawn Sanders, the city’s volunteer coordinator.
“From the research that we’ve done, without support from the city, markets aren’t as successful,” Sanders said. “The city and the Council have been really supportive and it just wouldn’t’ have happened without them.”
The grand opening event is planned for 3:45 p.m. and is to include a 15-minute ceremony with remarks by Mayor Lee Fellinge and music by the Deadwood Revival.
There will be 21 farm and produce vendors selling everything from asparagus, squash, artichokes and raspberries to lavender plants, chocolate truffles, barbecue fried rice and farm distilled essential oil soaps.
There will be 11 arts and crafts vendors including Biker B’s Bathworks in Fall City, Fab Creations in Redmond and Waisted Belt in Seattle.
Plans also call for 10 business booths including Plateau Chiropractic, Mothers and More, Shirey Handyman Service and Civilized Nature.
Farm and produce vendors include Blue Dog Farm in Carnation, Sol to Seed in Issaquah, Tonnemaker Family Orchard in Royal City, Hermosa Mexican Food in North Bend and Freckle Face Bakery in Sammamish.
“It’s really important to come out and show your support for the farmers who are going to be there rain or shine,” said Bohan. “Bring your market bags because we’re trying to cut down on our use of plastic. And carpool,” she added.
For more information visit: www.sammamishfarmersmarket.org
Reporter Emily Keller can be reached at (425) 392-6434 ext. 242 or EKeller@isspress.com.
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