I love farmers markets! Let's just get that out of the way. There's nothing quite like selecting the freshest and tastiest of local, seasonal fruits and produce, and sampling and eventually buying specialty treats, like chocolate covered cashews, blueberries, and toffee. (I definitely indulged!) Running into friends, meeting vendors, and enjoying family time -- this is a perfect and simple way to be an active participant in your community and to help it thrive!
With farmers markets opening for the season throughout the Eastside, there is one to visit almost every day of the week, except Monday! None are the same, so make plans to visit every one of them over the next few months and enjoy each of their unique activities and vendors. And if you're wondering how to make this outing a fun one for the kids, create a scavenger hunt! Some ideas can be to have them find certain colored items, count how many baked goods they saw, compare prices at different booths of their favorite fruit, have them ask a farmer a question, write down a vegetable they saw but have never tried. This doubles as fun and a great learning opportunity for them, and in turn a shopping opportunity for you! If a scavenger hunt is too young of an activity for your kiddos but they are old enough to participate in the kitchen, have them pick out a recipe and give them cash to budget out, measure, and buy the ingredients.
NOTE: check websites for more details and possible updates.
CROSSROADS FARMERS MARKET - http://www.crossroadsbellevue.com/SpecialEvents/FarmersMarket
Tuesdays from 12:00pm - 6:00pm
June 7 - October 11
Enjoy fresh Washington produce, flowers, food, and fun. Live music fills the air and a local nonprofit community organization is featured each market day. There are contests, recipes and more all season long. Visit the website for the weekly lineup of live music and food trucks. http://www.crossroadsbellevue.com/SpecialEvents/FarmersMarket
KIRKLAND WEDNESDAY MARKET - http://kirklandmarket.org/
Wednesdays from 2:00pm - 7:00pm
June 1 - September 28
Come join for farm fresh produce, fun food trucks, art and Washington grown and produced products. Check the website for upcoming market events - http://kirklandmarket.org/news-and-events/
BELLEVUE FARMERS MARKET - http://bellevuefarmersmarket.org
Thursdays from 3:00pm - 7:00pm
May 12 - October 27
The Bellevue Farmers Market supports small, local farms by providing a viable, vibrant marketplace for them to sell their farm-fresh product directly to consumers and providing a weekly event for urban residents that educates, nourishes, and fosters community.
JUANITA FRIDAY MARKET - www.kirklandwa.gov/JuanitaFridayMarket
Fridays from 3:00pm - 7:00pm
June 3 - September 30
Come shop at the market, dance to the live music, grab some snacks, head to the beach, enjoy the sun/sand/water and before heading back home pick up dinner at the market. It’s a perfect day out at the park with friends and family. The market website will have events listed weekly.
REDMOND SATURDAY MARKET - http://redmondsaturdaymarket.org/
Saturdays from 9:00am - 3:00pm
May 7 - October 29
There's plenty of entertainment for the whole family-main stage music and buskers every Saturday, educational community booths, pet adoption opportunities, two special days for "kid vendors" to sell their arts and crafts & several other big events. Check our calendar often for upcoming fun for everyone! http://redmondsaturdaymarket.org/newCalendar.cshtml
MERCER ISLAND FARMERS MARKET - http://mifarmersmarket.org/
Sundays from 10:00am - 3:00pm
June 5 - October 9
The Mercer Island Farmers Market is an Island mainstay that connects growers, consumers, and the Island business community to create a valuable, sustainable community asset. We also provide a place where family, friends and neighbors are able to gather and enjoy community. Each week we host a Children's Table with weekly kid-friendly activities, musical guests (including Caspar Babypants!), and a full variety of local farmers and food vendors. We also have six tastings throughout the season where you can try fresh and delicious products from our vendors. For a full calendar of Children's Table activities, music and tastings please visit http://mifarmersmarket.org/2016-calendar/
So... pick up some flowers, sip on some lemonade, eat some pizza, buy that slab of meat to barbecue during this glorious weather, or finally grab that jar of jam you've been eyeing and ENJOY!
