Renton Farmers Market started its season Tuesday in the sun-scorched Piazza with the usual opening ceremonies and bell ringing. But with an assortment of new cooks and entertainers, and 12 percent more vendors than typical, this year’s market will be anything but usual.
“This year is better than last year,” Beeyee Chow of Benson Hill said at Tuesday’s market. “Every year it’s improving.”
The improvements come from new vendors and better organization, Chow says.
Up to 57 vendors are expected at the market, “as soon as all the food comes into blossom,” says Renton Farmers Market coordinator Stefeny Anderson.
Those vendors will sell the usual local and organic fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers and baked goods, plus new items like fresh pasta and sauce, gyros and crepes, farm fresh beef, goat and sheep cheese, fresh ice cream and doughnuts.
“I’m excited,” Anderson told the swarm of customers Tuesday. “This is our eighth year starting right now.”
Mayor Denis Law and Toni Nelson, former City Council member and downtown businesswoman, marveled at the market’s growth over the years. Nelson helped start the market.
“Look what has happened to it!” Law exclaimed to Nelson during the opening ceremony.
“I know, and I’m very proud,” Nelson replied.
She then tinkled a small bell, signaling the start of market season.
Before Nelson rang the bell, Don Bressler, president of Renton Technical College, said something to the crowd that he’s always wanted to say.
“Vendors… start your selling!” Bressler said.
The market will also host demonstrations by local chefs, who will cook meals created from market ingredients. Also new this year is the walking tour of the market that a nutritionist from Seattle Cancer Wellness Center will give, along with a lesson on cooking with cancer-fighting foods.
Anderson is also encouraging local restaurants to make meals on Wednesday from food they purchased at the market on Tuesday. Yoggi Frozen Yogurt may be using market fruit in its treats, Anderson said.
The usual full lineup of entertainment will fill the Piazza again this year with singing dancing and more. Anderson already has a group of breakdancers booked, plus two karaoke days and Kids’ Talent Day. Master Gardeners and the Kids Fun Patch are also back this year.
“I’m excited about it,” Anderson says about Renton Farmers Market 2009. “… I’m excited about our lineup, I’m excited about our chef demos, I’m excited about our sponsors.”
This is Anderson’s second season as market coordinator, a position with the City of Renton. She works alongside volunteer managers Linda Middlebrooks and Meri England, plus several other volunteers.
“We have a lot of local support, an amazing volunteer force and I love what I do. I’m very excited for this summer,” Anderson says.
RENTON FARMERS MARKET
Renton Farmers Market kicked off the season Tuesday and runs 3 p.m.-7 p.m. every Tuesday through Sept. 15 at the Piazza in downtown Renton at South Third Street and Burnett Avenue South.
Each week features an assortment of vendors, plus a chef demo, live music and activities for children.
See the market lineup at www.rentonfarmersmarket.com.
STILL NEEDED
Still needed are chefs for chef demos, volunteers and vendors. If interested, or for more information about the market, call 425-679-1502 or visit Renton Farmers Market.
