Tastes like Home:
Farmers markets bounce back
BY CAROL BANKS WEBER
The historic, 2020 COVID-19 pandemic — the first of its kind in this century — sent organizers, small, local farmers, artisans, and other vendors scrambling to salvage market season, somehow. Snohomish, Everett, and Edmonds led the way, reopening safely, closely following the Snohomish County Health District’s recommendations.
They allotted extra time for seniors and other high-risk shoppers, implemented online pre-orders, spaced out vendors, masked up, and sanitized like crazy.
Other markets followed suit. A few new ones even popped up (hello, Lake Stevens!), based on community demand.
The pandemic re-emphasized the importance of growing and supporting locally, as small, sustainable family farmers expanded to include farm stands and online ordering to their growing repertoire, as well as partnering up with non-profits, like Farmer Frog, to meet a growing need for healthy, safe, direct access to produce. The general public, in turn, learned more about where their next meal literally comes from, through local connections between Farm to Table, like Eat Local First and Farmstand Local Foods.
This growing season promises a triumphant return of farmers markets and a renewed appreciation for all they provide. By no means is this a complete list. But it’s a great place to start.
Homestead Honey beekeeper Lucien Thomas talks life- sustaining variety with a regular customer at the Everett Farmers Market
May 8-Sept. 25 (Saturdays), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Locally-grown and produced food, locally-created art, jewelry, clothing, and treats. Legion Memorial Park, 114 N. Olympic Ave., downtown Arlington. Info: Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce, Diane Krieg-market manager, ph. 360-659-5453, email info@stillyvalleychamber.com.
Edmonds Seasonal Market
May 1-Oct. 9 (Sat.), 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Hand-made, home-grown produce, flowers and plants, arts and crafts, and food from local, small family farms, artisans, and food processors. Garden Market, May 1-June 12, and Summer Market, June 19-Oct. 9, 5th & Bell St., downtown Edmonds. Edmonds Historical Museum runs both markets. Info: Facebook page, 425-774-0900.
Everett Farmers Market
May 9-Oct. 31 (Sun.), opens 10:30 a.m. for seniors and high-risk shoppers, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for the general public, 2930 Wetmore Ave., downtown Everett. Enter at Hewitt & Wetmore or Pacific & Wetmore. Everett Farmers Market kicks off 28th season. No Wednesday Market, hopefully returning in 2022. Info: Facebook, 425-422-5656.
June 2-Sept. 29 (first Wed. in June to last Wed. in Sept.), 3 p.m.-7 p.m., North Cove Park and The Mill, 1808 Main St., downtown Lake Stevens. Second year by community demand. Info: Facebook, 425-280-4150.
Marysville Farmers Market
Late April to end of Sept., 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, 9620-B State Ave. Last year, the market was held Fri. and Sat. Dates subject to change. Check Facebook for updates. Info: 425-422- 8356, farmersmarketmarysville@gmail.com.
May 26-Sept. 1 (Wed.), 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. — high- risk and senior shoppers, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. — general public, Galaxy Theatres parking lot, 1 Galaxy Way, downtown Monroe. Third season. Info: Facebook, 360-794-5488.
The Park Ridge Community Market
June 2-Aug. 25 (first Wed. in June-last Wed. in Aug.), 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Park Ridge Community Church, 3805 Maltby Rd., Bothell. Info: 425-481-8801.
Snohomish Farmers Market
May 6-Sept. 30 (first Thurs. in May-last Thurs. in Sept.), 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Snohomish Farmers Market celebrates 30th anniversary, back at the downtown location, corner of Cedar Ave. and Pearl St. Info: 425-280- 4150, snohomishfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
June 4-Oct. 8 (first Fri. in June-second Fri. in Oct.), 2 p.m.-6 p.m., behind the police station, 8727 271st St. NW. Info: 425-280-4150, info@stanwoodfarmersmarket.org.
Dates and locations subject to change. Check Welcome Magazine online and individual farmers markets for the latest. ✦
