“Ring, ring, ring,” cried Carrie Olson, Renton Farmers Market manager, on Tuesday signaling the official start of this season. (They couldn’t find the bell this year, which is why Olson resorted to improvisation.)
This year’s season, which will go on every Tuesday until Sept. 27, brings with it local produce, entertainment, community booths, food demos and food trucks. Since it is only the beginning of the season, there will be more vendors at the market as the season goes on.
Opening day began with the ringing of the bell at 3 p.m., followed by a food demo by Food $ense. The Hazen High School jazz band kept the tunes going as the shoppers kept shopping.
ENTERTAINMENT
Washington State University Extension’s nutrition education program “Food $ense” will continue to have various cooking demonstrations during this season. These demonstrations are targeted to teach families nutrition basics and smart buying strategies “to help them make healthy choices and sustain their food supply throughout the month,” according to their website.
There will be various entertainment acts throughout the season from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., including Biff Moss, The Ginger Ups, Susanna Fuller, Senior Center Dancers, and more. For the entire list of entertainment, click here.
Don’t forget to check out the community booth each week. The community booth features local non-profit organizations from 3 to 7 p.m. This year will include Renton School District’s Renton Robotics Alliance, Senior Advisory Committee, Communities in Schools and more.
FOR KIDS
The Kid’s Patch will be open each market day for kids to engage with activities.
The King County Library System Library2Go van will also be at the market with library materials on June 27, July 25, Aug. 1, 22 29, Sept. 19 and 26.
FOR ADULTS
There will be wine and/or beet tasting booths in the main market the entire season.
THIS YEAR’S HARVEST
Want to know what this season’s fruit, nut and berry harvest schedule is this season? Visit http://www.rentonfarmersmarket.com/docs/PugetSoundFresh-Harvest-Schedule.pdf for more information.
FOOD ACCESS FOR ALL
In their attempt to make the market accessible for as many residents as possible, the market continues the use of EBT, SNAP and Basic Food cards. At the market manager booth, staff will swipe your EBT/SNAP card for a requested amount and receive tokens that can be spend like cash with vendors.
VOLUNTEERS
If you are interested in assisting the staff with daily market operations, the Renton Farmers Market is still looking for volunteers. There are various shifts available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. For more information, contact Olson, market manager, at info@rentonfarmersmarket.com or 425-430-7214.
HOW TO GET THERE
Renton transit center is north of the market. There is two-hour free parking available at the Renton’s City Center Parking Garage on 655 S. Second St.
For more information about the Renton Farmers Market, visit http://www.rentonfarmersmarket.com/ or call 425-430-7214. The market is open every Tuesday (except for July 4) from 3 to 7 p.m. at 233 Burnett Ave. S.
