Leavenworth Farmers Market returns for 17th season

LEAVENWORTH – The Leavenworth Community Farmers Market will open for the season on May 31, running every Saturday at the Lions Club Park, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October 11.

In addition to its Washington-grown produce, local art, and handcrafted artisan goods vendors, the market will return with its monthly Kids Market section, as well as live music from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The popular Olive Tree Bakery is expected to come back for its third season, with fresh baked croissants and specialty breads. Returning farmers plan to bring new products this year, including eggs from Watkins Farm Foods. 

Eggs have been absent at the market in previous years, due to the required additional licensing through the Washington State Department of Revenue and adherence to WSDA Egg Handling Guidelines.

“Many small farms choose not to go through these steps and to instead sell their eggs exclusively from a farm stand at their property, because in doing so they are not subject to these regulations…So we are grateful that Watkins Farm Foods has decided to do so this year!” said Cascade Community Markets Executive Director Cali Osborne, in an email to Ward Media.

In order to make the local market accessible for the entire community, the market accepts numerous currencies, including credit cards, SNAP EBT, SUN Bucks, and Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP). The Market also doubles the value of SNAP EBT and SUN Bucks up to $25 per day.

“Staff spend over 300 hours a year working to ensure that we are accepting all state and federal food assistance benefits possible…The best way for customers to learn how to use food benefits is by visiting us at the Market Info Booth,” said Osborne.

While the Market Info Booth will answer questions and explain how to use different currencies, shoppers may also visit the Washington State Farmers Market Association website beforehand, which provides details about every state-wide currency and farmers market use.

With an improved plan for the adjacent parking lot, the market anticipates better parking and navigability for both cars and bikes this year. It is also located at a Link Transit bus stop for those traveling by public transit.

Cascade Community Markets, the nonprofit that runs both the Leavenworth and Cashmere Farmers Markets, is launching an online Limited Edition T-Shirt Fundraiser to raise operational funds for the two markets this season. The t-shirt fundraiser will feature custom artwork by local farmer, Kim Nelson, and run until June 3.

The organization will also seek support through the 10th Annual Farm to Table Dinner Fundraiser on August 22, a six-course dinner prepared by six local chefs and paired with local wines. The event will include local produce, a farm walk, live music, and a silent auction. All proceeds will support the operation of the local markets, with the first $5,000 raised going to grants for market farms.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media