What’s New at the Market: Sequim Farmers Market’s 2019 season begins

Sequim Farmers Market

Open: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Location: Sequim Civic Center Plaza, downtown Sequim

More info: manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218

The Sequim Farmers Market is starting back up in downtown Sequim. Opening day is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 4. This first weekend only, vendors will gather at Whimsy Park at the northeast corner of Washington Street and Sequim Avenue during the Irrigation Festival.

On May 11, Sequim Farmers Market will continue at the Civic Center Plaza on the corner of Sequim Avenue and Cedar Street, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and remain there each Saturday through Oct. 26.

Special thanks to the City of Sequim for providing the market community with such a wonderful venue again this year.

It is never to early to start looking for a unique gift, and with Mother’s Day right around the corner (Sunday, May 12), the Sequim Farmers Market is a great place to go. Browse through an array of intricately made pottery, woodwork, jewelry, glasswork, soaps, lotions, rugs, artwork, clothing, beadwork, knitwear, yarn, birdhouses and bird feeders.

More than 20 local artisans and food vendors will participate on May 4, with more than 40 vendors joining throughout the season at this lively market. Returning visitors will be happy to see familiar faces from seasons past and new friends to meet.

Remember to come early. Food prepared with this much care and attention sells fast: fresh eggs, raw honey, green onion powder, pastries made from scratch, and fresh baked breads will all be available. New this year is hot and freshly-ground Rainshadow drip coffee. Grab a cup from new vendor Two Spot Bakery and savor the flavor and morning boost as you walk among the food booths.

As the growing season begins after a late, wet spring in the Olympic Peninsula, our small but mighty group of farmers provide a taste of what is to come. Fresh herbs and wheat grass start the season, along with starts for your own garden. This market will be a gardener’s delight with local seeds, basil starts, tomato starts, along with other bedding plants.

You also will find fresh cat grass and catnip for your feline friend. Expect to see more fresh produce at the market as the season goes on.

Over the winter months, we have been hard at work planning events for every weekend of the season. Check the Sequim Farmers Market website at www.sequim market.com/calendar to stay up to date with activities for all to enjoy.

Here are a few events to look forward to in May:

• May 11 — Bike to the Market — Bike to the market to get entered in a raffle for a free bike tune-up from Ben’s Bikes

• May 18 — Amanda Bacon of KCZM will sing the national anthem in honor of Armed Forces Day

• May 25 — Emergency Medical Service Volunteer Day with Clallam County Fire District 3

We are looking forward to the start of the 24th season of the Sequim Farmers Market. A special thanks to sponsors Bell & Davis Law and BrokersGroup Real Estate.

April Hammerand is the market manager for the Sequim Farmers Market. Reach her at manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218. For more information, visit www.sequimmarket.com.