Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Summer Fun at Bellingham Farmers Market

by Theresa Carpine7/2/2009 11:54:07 AM

Take a stroll through the Bellingham Farmers Market this summer.

My affection for our city's weekly Saturday Farmers Market has been well-evidenced in the past ("Experience the Bellingham Farmers Market"), but it never hurts to take an annual look at this great community event.

Here are some of the “don’t want to miss” happenings taking place at the Market this summer.

Kids Vending Days
On the last Saturday of each month, the Bellingham Farmers Market invites young entrepreneurs to sell their homemade wares at the market. The cost is only $5 per vendor and most kids sell craft items like cards, bath soap, and jewelry at pretty reasonable prices. If your child is interested in vending at the market, visit Kids Vending or call the Market Manager at (360) 647-2060 to get more details.

Chef in the Market
On the first and third Saturday of the month (no demonstration on July 4th), the Farmers Market hosts Chef in the Market, a cooking demonstration using farm-fresh and seasonal items available at the market. The demonstration starts at 11 AM and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. When it’s over, you can taste a sample of the amazing dish and get a copy of the recipe. Visit Market Happenings to see which local chef will step into the kitchen next!

Come to the Market for lunch, or just some yummy snacks.

Feeding Frenzy
Lunch at the Farmers Market is a great idea if everyone in the family is in the mood for something different. While you chow down on Ethiopian cuisine, your kids can satisfy their stomachs with fresh Bavarian pretzels. My personal favorite is the tostadas from Las Margaritas, a women’s worker-owned cooperative. Not only is the food delicious, but you can feel good about yourself for supporting sustainable living. You can also buy an assortment of tasty snacks at the market, from fresh kettle corn to organic cotton candy to mouthwatering ice cream.

Busking at the Market
Live entertainment adds a special energy to the Bellingham Farmers Market and you’ll find all kinds of performers at each corner of the Market. Musicians, dancers, magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, and face painters are some of the regular attractions. If your child is looking to pick up some extra cash this summer, suggest that they busk at the Farmers Market; picking up a few busking bucks is also a great incentive for practicing their musical instrument during the school break. Check out Entertainers at the Market to find out more.

The Market on the Web
The Bellingham Farmers Market recently launched a new website that makes Market happenings really easy to find. They also keep you updated when you’re on the go with Twitter and email newsletters. And you can find the Market schedule in Neighborhood-Kids.com Activities.

What else do you and your family look forward to when visiting the Bellingham Farmers Market? Leave a comment or post in the Forum.

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

A Bellingham Online Journalist, Theresa Carpine graduated from WWU with a BA in English Literature. She enjoys yoga, listening to music, riding her bike in downtown Bellingham, and babysitting really cute kids.