Lakewood Farmers Market Accepting Vendor Applications For This Summer

The Lakewood Farmers Market is now accepting applications for its inaugural season, which kicks off July 10 and runs through Aug. 28 on the grounds of Lakewood City Hall.

Lakewood's market will be held on Tuesdays to avoid competition with other markets to secure vendors. Neighboring Steilacoom's farmers market is on Wednesday afternoons.

“The new Farmers Market will provide a place in the city center for citizens to meet, greet and buy fresh foods and crafts in a casual and festive environment,” said City Manager Andrew Neiditz, in a news release. 

According to the city's Parks and Recreation Department, the goal for 2012 is to have 20-30 vendors selling fresh foods, arts and crafts. Vendor selection will be based on quality, originality, locality, seasonal versus daily and compatibility with the existing market mix and mission statement. Agriculture products will be given priority over other product
categories.

The market anticipates the following composition:

• 50 percent fresh farm products (grown or produced in Washington state by the seller); 
• 20 percent processed goods, prepared foods and processed foods (made from raw products/ingredients, a majority of which are grown and produced by the seller, who is personally doing the cooking, canning, baking, preserving, etc.);
• 20 percent hand-crafted items (all craft products should be handcrafted in Washington state) and
• 10 percent miscellaneous. 

Vendor applications are available at www.cityoflakewood.us/farmersmarket. 

While the city is leading the pilot project this summer, it is hoping that another group will lead the project in the future after it is established.

For more information, visit www.cityoflakewood.us/farmersmarket.