It’s that time of year and local produce is popping up on farms all over the state, feeding into more than 125 farmers' markets in Washington!  Each city seems to have embraced the locavore mentality and is encouraging the fresh farm-to-table concept.

In many cases, the farmers' market idea can be stereotyped by Seattle's famed Pike Place Market, but each city has a unique spin and features our most local farmers.

Enjoy the chance to talk with the farmers and families who have had a literal hand in growing your next meal.  There is something so American and inspiring by hearing a teenage cashier tell you “My dad grew this,” as she rings up your watermelon.  The personal attention to our foods and chance to talk with farm owners and growers also allows you to gain insight into local product demand, recipes and the yearly produce calendar that might be most specific to your area.

Spend a Saturday morning and stroll the market stalls in the city of your choice – learning and trying something new for dinner.  Don’t forget the flowers. 

AREA FARMER’S MARKETS

Maple Valley Farmers Market – Saturdays starting June 18^th

Puyallup Farmers Market – runs weekends, 9am-2pm through Oct 15^th

Proctor Farmers Market – Saturdays through Nov 19^th

Auburn International Farmers Market – Sundays June 12^th – Sept 25^th

Editor's Note: In Enumclaw, Elaine Lynest, the gallery manager at Arts Alive! has been spearheading a summer event called 'A Lot of Art,' which has already set up shop twice since May in the lot next to the Chamber of Commerce on select Saturdays. A cross between an arts fair and farmer's market -- some local farmers have set up shop along with artists and craftspeople -- we don't yet know of future dates but look for more details about the next 'A Lot of Art' event on Enumclaw Patch. Farmers interested in taking part should contact Lynest at info@plateauartsalive.org.