Monday, November 17, 2008

Welcome to the Queen Farmer's Market




Queen Anne neighbors are enjoying a new farmers market right in their own back yard. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were 4,385 farmers markets in the United States last year, more than a 400 per percent increase from 17 years earlier when SeattleMarkets started in 1990. Today, you are a part of a growing group of forward-looking consumers and activists making different choices that are beginning to really drive a revolutionary change throughout the food system.

The new Queen Anne Farmers Market is seasonal and centrally located which makes it an easy stroll for just about everyone here at the top of the hill. It will continue weekly until the end of September and change locations to the community center at the end of August. We owe a debt of gratitude to our neighborhood activists (QANRG) who are the sponsors of the market and whose efforts made this opportunity possible. Opening day saw huge crowds of neighbors, and more than 30 exhibitors which will increase in number and diversity each week as the produce season reaches its zenith and attendance climbs. You'll find artisan cheeses, wild fish, natural meats, free range eggs, oven fresh specialty breads as well as just picked greens, and organic fruits and vegetables from farms all over Washington. (For a calendar of produce click here or on "WHAT'S FRESH THIS WEEK.") Honeys, jam, jellies, hand-made soaps, lotions and specialties will also be on offer together with the brilliance of local crafts for extra color and delight. In August we'll begin a series of chef demonstrations with local chefs preparing dishes from what's at the market. Please join us here every Thursday for a celebration local taste and community with your friends and neighbors— help us spread the word and feed the revolution!

Judy Kirkhuff, Jessica Vets, Jon & Candace Hegeman— Your Neighbors & Organizers