Sammamish Farmers Market Kicks Off Season on Wednesday at Sammamish Commons

Editor's note: This story was posted before the Sammamish Farmers Market's Opening Day. Sammamish Patch has a video report on how that day went.

Sammamish residents looking for a place to see neighbors, buy fresh produce and relax on the to enjoy Olympic vistas from  can do so starting Wednesday.

The Sammamish Farmers Market kicks off its fourth season and will run from 4 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday from May 18 to Sept. 28. This year, visitors can expect new items, including asparagus, oven-fired pizza, kettle corn and gluten-free bakery products, said Deb Sogge, executive director of the .

The Chamber is a primary sponsor of the event, which has received $10,000 in support from the .

"The purpose is to provide a unique gathering spot for families, farmers and businesses," Sogge said.

Visitors also will be able to buy lettuce, carrots, peas and other produce, as well as cheese and homemade ice cream sandwiches, she said. In addition, visitors can see artisan-made jewelry, wooden planters, metal sculptures and items for use in the garden.

"Be ready to see your loyal vendors from last year," Sogge added. "It's really about the farmers. We can reduce the carbon footprint by buying local."

Each week, there will be an average of 30 vendors and local businesses, said Juliana Pash, Sammamish Farmers Market manager, in an email.

"As of Opening Day we have 15 new vendors of which half are farmers or processors that use goods grown or made in Washington," she said.

"It’s important to remember that the goal of our market is to promote the local farmer and other vendors that support the local farmer." 

Strawberries will be sold at the Market but they are expected to arrive later in June because of the region's wetter than normal weather, Sogge said.

For Pash, who started as a Market volunteer and lives in Sammamish, the annual event is a good marriage of fresh produce, much of it organic, and helping regional farmers.

"I think it’s important to know what a strawberry tastes like in season as well as the tomatoes that arrive later in summer," she said in an email.

"It makes you appreciate the hard work a farmer puts into their harvest to get the real flavor and cooking enjoyment of produce at its peak." 

During the Market's first year, an average of 250 people visited each week, Sogge said. Last year, the number had increased to an average of 650 visitors each week.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Wednesday at 4 p.m. The drum group from will perform and organizers will honor steering committee members, artists and others.

Mayor Don Gerend will ring a cow bell to officially open the Market. There also will be music and activities for kids.

Sogge encouraged people to bring cash - in the range of $60 to $100 - to ensure that goods can be bought on the spot. Some sellers might accept checks. Credit cards will most likely not be accepted.

Also, if visitors have bought anything from a Sammamish-based business, whether it's a home-based one or retail, they can show their receipt at the Market andbe entered into a drawing, Sogge said. People who enter might win a bag of produce or a gift certificate to a restaurant. Visitors can ask Market staff about other drawings.

If parking at Sammamish Commons is unavailable, visitors can use space at . Dogs are not allowed at the Farmers Market.

Editor's note: Sammamish Patch is a member of the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce.