Don’t you love it when the season for farmer’s markets rolls around? Who doesn’t look forward to meeting the growers and producers of the fresh foods we enjoy the most – and the free samples, live music, crafts, and kid’s activities! Here’s the rundown of the markets taking place in our region this year.
Frequenting local farmers' markets is a fun way to get outside and enjoy the summer. It also provides a lot of interesting things to see and products to buy and enjoy. You can feel better about knowing that your purchases will help your local economy and community.
There are many great reasons to shop at your local farmers' market. Here are a few of my favorites:
- It's an excellent family activity. Get the family together and enjoy the local shopping experience. Vendors are great educators and you just may learn something!
- Save money! Buying from local farmers eliminates the middleman and any shipping costs.
- Enjoy fresh produce. There is a very good chance that the fruit/veggies you buy from the farmer were picked a day or two ago! You won't find that option in a supermarket.
- Relish in the outdoors. Most markets are "open-air" venues which means you get to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer (hopefully it's blue skies and sunshine)!
- Support nearby producers and farm families. Family farmers have become increasingly rare as agribusiness farms are taking over. Market profits go straight into growers' pockets which helps to keep small farms alive. A very good thing!
SATURDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS
HELPFUL TIPS
When: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m May - September
Where: Pickering Barn
What: Visit the Issaquah Farmer’s Market for a fresh experience. The market hosts 4,500 shoppers on a busy summer Saturday, so this market is no snooze fest. Shoppers will find a long list of edibles, collectibles, and entertainment including fruits and vegetables, baked goods, food trucks, fresh flowers, multiple performance artists, crafts, and more.
More information: Link to website and Facebook page
When: Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m May through September
Where: Sammamish Commons
What: Fun for family and friends, the Sammamish Farmer’s market offers farm fresh produce, plant starts, dairy and grass-fed beef, along with products from local beekeepers, crafts, prepared foods and more! Check the market events calendar for weekly entertainment offerings.
More information: Link to website or FB page
When: Thursdays 4-8 pm June -September
Where: Si View Park
What: Taste the freshness. Meet local farmers, and find a fantastic selection of seasonal, locally-grown items. Vendors offer fresh produce, berries, honey, flowers, botanicals, baked goods, delicious prepared foods, unique handcrafted goods, and more. Bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy the summer sounds with the music in the park series. Live entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. each week.
More information: Link to website or Instagram page
A visit to the local farmer’s market is a fun outing that you can repeat every week through the summer months. No two visits will be exactly the same. Here are a few things to remember while visiting your local farmer’s market with kids in tow:
- Bring cash, as some vendors still don’t accept credit cards, and it saves on the related service fees.
- Be sure to bring along a shopping tote or reusable bag to haul your treasures home, as you will quickly run out of hands willing and able to carry them.
- Bring along a blanket or folding chairs if you plan to stay and eat or watch the live entertainment.
- Set up a meeting place in case you and your kids are separated. Distractions are plenty in these markets, and it’s far too easy to lose track of who’s where.
- Samples are the norm, so if food allergies are a concern be sure to inquire about ingredients and/or additives before tasting and coach restraint.
- Remind your children not to touch the fresh produce and/or baked goods on display. Some farmers prefer to select and bag your produce for you, to minimize damage to other produce on display.
- Most markets prefer that you leave your furry friends at home.
- Last of all, have fun! The vendors at these events are nearly always friendly and eager to teach others about their products and livelihoods. This is an excellent opportunity for young ones to learn more about where fresh foods come from. They may even be inspired to start a similar business in the future.
Like this Guide? Macaroni KID Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah - Sammamish is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of kid-friendly events on our events calendar.
Plus you can stay in the know of all the local family fun by subscribing to our FREE weekly e-newsletter!
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SPONSORED by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co.
SPONSORED by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co.
A big thanks to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co. for sponsoring this guide!
*** PLEASE CHECK THE FARMERS MARKET WEBSITE BEFORE ATTENDING ***
