Market season is almost upon us...your favorite gem of a local farmer's market opens on Saturday, May 3rd. We love it, we go there to shop for fruit, veggies, flowers and crafts...but there's more to it than most Eastside citizens know.
This will be Redmond Saturday Market's 39th year-it dates back to 1976 when Master Gardener, Georgia Erskine, founded the market. It's been located in several areas of Redmond, and in 1986 the market moved to its present location at 7730 Leary Way NE. And as it turns out, another move may be in the market's future-our current location might not be available in 2015.
What is Redmond Saturday Market all about? The market prides itself on providing locally grown produce and quality handmade items to the public. Everything is made, grown or produced in the state of Washington. We stick to a grassroots ideology and support small, aspiring businesses get a start. Redmond Saturday Market is one of the pillars of the Redmond community with its encouragement of family involvement with free events throughout the season like our Zucchini Races, Hawaiian Day & Kids Market Day. And many within our own family, our vendors, depend on the market for their livelihood. By providing them with a place to sell, we help our members make a living. It takes a village to make a farmer's market work, and it's mostly run by volunteers who are passionate about its well-being and success.
What does the future hold for the market? Redmond Saturday Market may have to move in 2015. Worry not folks-we'll be there for Eastsiders at our trusty 7730 Leary Way location this season! And in the meantime we're working hard behind the scenes to guarantee that the farmer's market tradition can continue in Redmond for a 40th year. There is much conversation going on between the market, the neighboring Redmond Town Center mall and the City of Redmond to figure out options and what's best for everyone. And you can show us your support by shopping with us-starting May 3rd. Can't wait!! See you soon! It's gonna be a great year!
