In Vashon’s own rite of spring, the Farmers Market will open for the season this Saturday at the Village Green.
Opening day will feature daffodils for the first shoppers and many of Vashon’s favorite farmers, artisans and musicians. Adri Yarkin, 13, the daughter of farmers Celina and Joe Yarkin, will open the festivities by playing the bagpipes.
Saturday will also be the first market for the new market manager, Johanna Guevin, who has visited many of the farmers and artisans.
“It’s going to be phenomenal to see everyone’s wares on the table,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone’s display and the pizzazz.”
Thirty-six vendors will be on hand, with several market stalwarts, including Green Man Farm, Sun Island Farm, Pacific Potager, Tease Chocolates, Hedy’s King Caramels, Vashon Winery and Rainy Day Garden Soap, Guevin said. Snapdragon and La Biondo will provide food for shoppers, with Zamorana joining later this season.
No new vendors will be at the market on Saturday, but several have approached Guevin, she said, and are expected to join as the season goes along.
This year market organizers hope to include more educational activities, such as cooking demonstrations and interactive activities for children. First up will be a workshop on marketing psychology on April 28 that Guevin said she expects will benefit growers and artisans alike.
The market will also offer a lending library with books and DVDs about farming and gardening issues in the Northwest.
Noting previous issues with the Village Green, she said that several Vashon Island Growers Association board members and vendors will be stepping up and maintaining the Village Green this year. In preparation for the season, several people recently participated in a large work party there, and Guevin singled out Ron Irvine of the Vashon Winery and Craig Harmeling, who makes and sells picnic tables, with providing considerable help cleaning the shelter.
“It looks so brilliant and bright now,” she said.
The market will be open each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village Green and will accept cash, checks, WIC coupons and EBT cards.
