The 11th successful season of Renton’s Farmers Market comes to a close next Tuesday at the Piazza.

Valria Lopez, market coordinator, called this past farmers market season “fantastic.”

“The beginning of the season was a little cool, but it’s been just gorgeous and the crowds have been wonderful, lots of vendors,” Lopez said. “It’s been a really good year at both markets.”

The Farmers Market at Valley Medical Center concluded last Sunday, Sept. 17.

The markets have increased in popularity with vendors and a wait list for selling stalls developed, Lopez said.

This market season also brought lots of berries to the Renton markets because of the great weather.

“The berry vendors are still bringing strawberries, which seem like a really spring thing,” said Lopez. “It’s just been a fabulous year for berries and my freezer’s full.”

Not only was the season good for berries, but for Antonio Bautista’s assortment of peppers too.

“We always do good at this market,” he said.

Bautista has a farm in Sunnyside, Washington were he grows about 100 different kinds of peppers like “Super Chiles.”

His colorful hanging wreaths of peppers have been very popular at the Renton market.

Don and Esthela Herrera of Maria’s Famous Tamales have also enjoyed success at both the Piazza and Valley Medical farmers markets.

Their authentic Mexican tamales and “Empa-Naughty” empanadas have been a hit all season long. Their “empa-naughties” are homemade tortillas with pie filling and cream cheese that have been cooked and glazed and range in 14 different flavors.

“We’ve been lined-up everyday we’ve been here, so non-stop,” said Don Herrera. “We love Renton.”

He called Renton one of their favorite markets.

“Just the clientele has been really receptive,” said Don Herrera. “I think they like this environment and the community really gets out and participates.”

LAST FARMER’S MARKET

The final day for this year’s Renton Farmers Market is 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Piazza at Third Street and Burnett Avenue in downtown Renton. A Terrible Beauty is providing the final Taste of Renton.