The Edmonds Museum Summer Market
As a society, we have become increasingly aware of the quality of the food we eat. Nutritionists and dieticians tell us that our foods should be as close to their natural form as possible. And we all know the fresher the food, the more flavorful and healthy it is!
The Edmonds Museum Summer Market is beginning its 21st season and has become a popular tradition. Offering fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade craft items of a wide variety, the market has a prime location near the water and not far from many farmers.
Every Saturday from June 20 to Oct 3*, the market opens at 5th Ave. N. at the fountain and goes up to Bell Street and then up to 6th Ave. The area is cordoned off for the stalls of 125 vendors. Organized and executed by the Historical Museum, the market is diverse, practical and entertaining. Families come from all over the state to stroll down the lanes, shopping for a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are also gluten-free items and organically grown produce.
Vendors are eager to share their bounty, providing samples to passers-by. The open-air market is ideal for shoppers who are keen to try new varieties of old favorites and enjoy the taste of the freshest fruits and vegetables available or buy flowers and gifts.
If you can’t wait until June 20, the Garden Market opens May 2 and runs to June 13 from 9am to 2pm. The emphasis here is supporting our local farmers and home gardeners. These vendors capitalize on a season of blooming flowers and fruits and vegetables that ripen earlier in the year.
The market manager selects vendors with some assistance from the Museum’s market committee. Many artisans craft a large range of items like jewelry, photography, soaps, woodworking and knitted scarves and hats. But, just like the produce, all items at the market must be homegrown in Washington or homemade by the seller.
The market is constantly evolving. While talking with Christina, the market manager, I discovered she has extended an invitation to a local winery and a hard cider producer to participate in the market this year. They will be allowing some sampling too.
And finally, to add to your enjoyment of open-air shopping on Saturday, there will be local musicians playing a variety of songs. We have a wealth of amateur talent in our community, and this kind of exposure is a great opportunity for them too, so put some coins in their tin cup.
From the farm to your table, the Edmonds Museum Summer Market is “THE” place to be on a Saturday between 9am and 3pm.
For more information: phone 423.744.0900 and www.historicedmonds.org
* The market is not open on Saturday July 4th or August 15, due to the Taste of Edmonds.
