Mercer Island Farmers Market opens June 5

The Mercer Island Farmers Market returns June 5 for its ninth season, connecting Island residents, friends and families with Washington state producers of healthy, sustainable food and other goods.

The market, which was organized in 2008 by community members passionate about nutritious food and local agriculture, offers something different to explore each week, including some new vendors this year.

At its heart, the Farmers Market is all about cultivating community, said Debbi Gillotti, vice president of the market’s board of directors.

“You can go to the supermarket, but then you can’t talk to the farmers about how everything is grown or how to prepare it,” Gillotti said.

Located just north of Mercerdale Park in the heart of downtown Mercer Island, the market provides a convenient, convivial community venue for Islanders, friends and family each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With a central location and convenient parking, the market is hoping to attract more regional visitors this year, Gillotti said.

Also new to the market this year is its music director, as the previous volunteer retired. The market does not charge admission for its concerts, which this year include beloved Caspar Babypants.

“Whether it’s weekly guest musicians playing cool tunes, a Children’s Table adventure, a senior hospitality event or a special tasting sponsored by New Seasons Market, we’ve got what you’re looking for,” according to the market’s opening day announcement. “Chefs of all ages can relish in a bounty of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and freshly caught fish, as specially selected food vendors offer a tasty, high quality assortment of traditional favorites and unique culinary adventures.”

Gillotti said that the market is looking forward to a collaboration with New Seasons, a Portland-based grocer that will open a location on Mercer Island this fall.

“They won’t be open yet, but they’re bringing items from Oregon and other areas to taste,” she said.

New Seasons will be sponsoring tastings at the Market on June 19, Aug. 21 and Oct. 2. There will also be market tastings on July 3 (of special berry shortcake treats for the Fourth of July), Aug. 14 (Anniversary Celebration) and Sept. 11, and a special Harvest Market on Nov. 20 to shop for Thanksgiving staples and holiday gifts.

During the month of June, the market’s “Garden Days” will feature a wide variety of local artisan crafts for home and outdoor use. Garden Day vendors include Cascade Edibles (plant starts), Coco Beza (handmade soaps and more), Iconic Cedar (furniture), Impwear (aprons), Moondance (wood products and stained glass), Thrush Designs (terrariums) and Willow Steel (metal yard art).

One of the market’s priorities is giving back to the community. It has donated 1,500 pounds of produce to the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Food Pantry and St. Monica Church, diverted two tons of waste per month from landfills through the Cedar Grove composting program and provided hands-on activities every week at the Children’s Table to teach children about nutrition and farming.

Zero waste has been the goal of the market since its inception.

Volunteers are welcome year-round. For more information about volunteering at the market, email volunteer@mifarmersmarket.org.

The Mercer Island Farmers Market operates 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each Sunday from June 5 through Oct. 9, except for Sunday, July 10 for Summer Celebration and Sunday, Aug. 7 for Seafair Weekend.

For up to the minute information about market, including featured vendors, products and entertainment each week, check out its website at www.mifarmersmarket.org or “like” its page on Facebook.

What’s new at the market in 2016

In addition to many returning favorites, the market is excited to include the following new vendors this season:

Sugar and Spice Bakery – gluten-free

Harvesting Autumn – organic fruit

Bombay Bites – vegetarian Indian foods

Gourminis (food truck) – fresh salads and sandwiches

Napkin Friends (food truck) – latke sandwiches

Nibbles (food truck) – Southwest fusion

Nosh (food truck) – fish and chips, and more

Juice Harbor – cold pressed juices

3 Howls Distillery – distilled spirits

Devine Crumb – nut butters and power muffins