On opening day, Vashon Farmers Market draws a crowd

Islanders young and old flocked to the Village Green to enjoy simple, small-town delights.

The Vashon Farmers Market returned last Saturday, drawing islanders young and old to gather at the Village Green to partake of the wholesome, small-town pleasures to be found there — fresh flowers, greens, artisanal cheeses and other delicacies, medicinal and native plant starts, island-grown garlic, and so much more.

Other vendors, including crafters, woodworkers, and other artisans offered bespoke soaps, balms, jewelry, and decorative and functional works made of glass, stone, wood and clay.

Too hungry to wait to get home to have lunch? That wasn’t a problem, thanks to the presence of Aeggy’s, Iyad’s Syrian Grill, and El Paisano Tamales, offering market-goers a mouth-watering choice of American, Mexican and Mediterranean fare.

Live music, a staple of the market, also wafted through the air as islander John van Amerongen took the mic, strumming and singing his trademark mix of traditional country and blues covers, along with some songs of the sea.

As van Amerongen strummed and sang, young children played chase and rolled in the grass near the music stage, as their parents chatted with neighbors and friends. Another likely spot to find a child at play was in a crook of a branch of the magnificent Eucalyptus tree, right in front of the market.

The market, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through Sept. 30, is presented by Vashon Island Grower’s Association (VIGA). Find out more about Vashon’s vibrant community of growers, and VIGA’s work to make fresh food accessible to all through its Food Access Partnership, at vigavashon.org.