West Seattle Farmers’ Market 217 results

SURVEY: Questions for West Seattle Farmers’ Market shoppers

If you shop at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sundays – and/or any of its sibling markets around the city, market managers have a few questions for you! Their newest newsletter announced a survey:

The Neighborhood Farmers Markets are conducting our annual survey online this year to reach a wider audience. Your input is valuable to us! Data gathered from this survey will help NFM and the vendors who participate in our markets to better understand market shoppers and their preferences. Responses are anonymous and will not be associated with any contact information you choose to provide.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Please note there are a few questions for shoppers who frequent markets in specific neighborhoods. If you regularly visit one of the locations listed, please choose that market when prompted so the questions are revealed to you.

Start the survey here.

VIDEO: This year’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market Zucchini 500

A busier-than-usual Sunday news stream swept away our chance to show you this until now, but it’s too cute to just skip. Every August, the Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets offer kids the chance to use free zucchinis and accessories to build and race “vegetable vehicles,” and yesterday was West Seattle kids’ turn. Above is our video of two young racers giving it a try. Volunteers, including members of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, helped kids pick out the components:

Then, the task of creating that “vegetable vehicle”:

And the final touches before moving on to the track:

The Zucchini 500 is on its way next to the farmers’ markets in Lake City, Columbia City, and Magnolia.

SUNDAY PREVIEW: West Seattle Farmers’ Market moves one block north

July 13, 2024 9:04 pm
|    Comments Off on SUNDAY PREVIEW: West Seattle Farmers’ Market moves one block north
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

We’ve mentioned this in West Seattle Summer Fest coverage already but wanted to spotlight it one more time: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be one block north of its usual place tomorrow (Sunday, July 14) because of the festival. The main stage and beer garden will be broken down after tonight’s festivities, and that block – California north of Oregon – is where you’ll find Farmers’ Market vendors tomorrow. Same hours – 10 am to 2 pm – while the festival continues concurrently (and then until 5 pm) on California between Oregon and Edmunds and on Alaska between 42nd and 44th. The market will return to its usual place next weekend (on July 21).

SUMMER FEST PREVIEW: Reminder that you’ll find the West Seattle Farmers’ Market in a different spot next week

That sign at the north end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market has extra meaning this week – next week, because of West Seattle Summer Fest, the market will be on California Avenue SW north of SW Oregon instead of south. Most if not all of your favorite farmers and other vendors will still be participating, and the hours are the same – 10 am to 2 pm Sunday (July 14) – but the market moves on that one Sunday each year so that festival vendors can continue in their Friday-Sunday spots. (The block north of Oregon is home to the main stage and beer garden on Friday and Saturday – see the music lineup here.) Now that Summer Fest week has arrived, we’ll have daily updates leading up to Summer Fest Eve on Thursday and the festival’s start on Friday (following recent previews of the reusable servingware and the Kids’ Zone additions) – see you there!

SUNDAY: Food-bank donation drive at West Seattle Farmers’ Market

Going to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market tomorrow? Before you shop for food, donate some! You’ll see a booth for Farmlink, a nonprofit founded by college students to work on food rescue, food insecurity, farmers’ rights, and related issues nationwide. Farmlink fellow Ariel Cook, who interned at the West Seattle Food Bank last summer, is hosting the booth to benefit WSFB by collecting food donations and inspiring financial donations. Ariel put together this presentation to explain the food-insecurity problem in our city – you can click through it:

Ariel says just about any kind of nonperishable food is welcome – except meat and dairy. Financial donations are welcome via this link. If you can’t donate tomorrow, the Farmlink booth will be back at the market November 19th and December 3rd.

WEEKEND SCENE: Zucchini 500 at West Seattle Farmers’ Market

Celebrating one of the most abundant vegetables of the season, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is hosting the Zucchini 500 today. First you make a zucchini vehicle, perhaps with parental help; then you decorate it …

and then it’s off to the race track!

You’ll find all this at the south end of the market, right by the California/Alaska entrance. The zucchini and trimmings are free (though since the market is a nonprofit, donations are always welcome).

VIDEO, PHOTOS: West Seattle Summer Fest, day 3

(QUICK LINKS: Bus reroutesmusic lineupsvendor & sidewalk-sale lists)

10:50 AM: As the final day of West Seattle Summer Fest begins, one big thing to know – the Farmers’ Market is on California SW north of SW Oregon, regular hours (until 2 pm), one week only, then back to its regular block next week. The festival is on until 5 tonight. That includes the Kids’ Zone, which today is being overseen by Tilden School (WSB sponsor), the independent K-5 school located just north of The Junction:

The Kids’ Zone has free activities as well as inflatables for which you have to buy tickets (or a $20 all-day pass). If you’re looking for face-painting, that’s on the raised crosswalk midblock on California between Oregon and Alaska. … Just one music stage today, in Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) – here’s the lineup, starting with the West Side Music Academy camp band at 11 am, minutes away. … Save The Stone Cottage advocates are back in the Info Booth with us and West Seattle Junction Association volunteers – find out what’s happened in the two years since the quirky little structure was moved, and what’s next

They’re on the east side of the booth (which is at Walk All Ways); we’re on the north side.

11:14 AM: Above are some of the “Littie STP” riders – as featured in our daily preview and calendar – who just rode from Seattle (Street, North Admiral) to Portland (Street, Gatewood) and then on to Summer Fest … The food vendors have fired up for the day – judging by what we’ve seen going by the booth, one of the most-popular festival treats this year has been the animal-shaped cotton candy (custom-made!):

On stage now in Junction Plaza Park, the camp band from West Side Music Academy, calling themselves Clark’s Son Kelly. Video:

We’ve also had bonus music here in the heart of the festival zone – instrumentalists over on the Cupcake Royale corner – and a commenter says the West Seattle band Aurora Avenue, which rocked Summer Fest Eve, will be back on the KeyBank corner at 2 pm.

12:47 PM: Not all the food is at the Farmers’ Market- some local purveyors of tasty items are here too, like award-winning Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce, and Lovely and Dapper Desserts‘ famous cakes:

(There’s a gluten-free cake on this month’s menu, too!) … Need a house plant (or two)? Check the Discovery Shop‘s sidewalk sale:

Proceeds from the shop go to fight cancer. … Our festival tradition of photographing candidates continues. Here’s Gina Topp, running for the West Seattle/South Park district on the school board, #6:

Elected officials too, even if they’re not currently on the ballot – here’s State Senator Joe Nguyá»…n and daughter Junie:

If you’re headed to the Farmers’ Market, remember it’s on regular hours – until 2 pm – though otherwise, the festival continues until 5 today. (The streets will remain closed for some hours afterward because of cleanup and breakdown.)

2 PM: As noted earlier, Tilden School is managing the kids’ area today – we just went over to see what’s up for free activities, on SW Alaska just west of California – options include games and art:

Here with your furry friend(s)? Visit the pet zone outside Next-to-Nature, on the west side of California just north of Alaska:

With three hours to go, this is the time we see lots of family and friend groups just hanging out. Come back even if you’ve already been!

2:25 PM: Aurora Avenue is playing now, not on the KeyBank corner but on the Cupcake Royale corner. (They’re under the canopy in this traffic-cam framegrab.)

We’ll get some video in a bit. Back here at the Info Booth, see the Junction Association volunteers on the west side of the booth – they’re continuing to sell Summer Fest merch, including a sale on T-shirts (purple, with the cool seahorse from this year’s poster art), just $10:

3:06 PM: Aurora Ave continues with a jazzy vibe – here’s a bit of video:

We’ve seen some visitors from the Admiral area this past hour or so – including Lori and Tim McConnell from West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor):

They’re organizing one of West Seattle’s biggest events next weekend – the Float Dodger 5K on Saturday, before the West Seattle Grand Parade. More than 500 people are signed up to run and/or walk, and the proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bankregister now for your last chance at a discount rate!

3:38 PM: Last performer of the day on the West Side Stage in Junction Plaza Park – Dave Hates Chico:

4 PM: Aurora Ave is wrapping up too (but their merch tent will be open a while longer). Last hour of the festival. Get here fast if you’re still interested in checking it out! And if there’s any specific vendor you’re looking for but haven’t found, visit the Info Booth and we’ll look it up – we have a list of booth numbers and by this point in the festival a near-encyclopedic grasp of who’s where.

4:30 PM: The inflatables in the kid zone have closed for the day. Shopping continues until the last moment, including sidewalk sales like the one under the tent outside Easy Street:

4:45 PM: The Info Booth is in breakdown mode – unlike Friday and Saturday, festival closing time gets more intense on the last day because the streets can’t reopen until everything is cleared out and cleaned up.

We’ve had a great time talking with people. Now it’s on to the rest of the summer, including another three-day festival next weekend, the Alki Art Fair. (We’re not “in residence” there but WSB is a community co-sponsor and we’ll be covering it starting on opening day, Friday, July 22dt – lots of Alki Art Fair info is online here. Music and food as well as art!) Thanks to everyone who came to Summer Fest, including the businesses and people who made it happen!

HALLOWEEN SEASON: Student-painted pumpkins at West Seattle Farmers Market

October 16, 2022 11:42 am
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 |   Halloween | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle for the photo! In their booth on the west side of the Farmers’ Market, Key Club members from Chief Sealth International High School are again selling painted pumpkins as a fundraiser. The market is on until 2 pm; if you miss them this week, they will be back next week.

FYI: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, one block north of its usual location

That’s the north end of the relocated-today-only West Seattle Farmers’ Market, by the Post Office in the 4400 block of California SW. In past years, the third day of West Seattle Summer Fest has seen the market relocate to its old spot behind KeyBank, but this year the West Seattle Junction Association – which presents the festival – is trying something new: Dropping music on Sunday (which tended to be lightly attended anyway), so the market could stay on California SW, one block north. We stopped by the market-management booth to ask about the vendor response; 46 vendors are here today, which is only five fewer than usual. Hours are the same as usual – so get your shopping and snacking done before 2 pm!

WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Transportation tabling at WS Farmers’ Market

April 3, 2022 12:01 pm
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 |   Transportation | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

While real trains are still ~10 years away, cardboard light-rail trains are being clutched by kids at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today, part of the freebies at Sound Transit‘s info table. Both ST and SDOT have tables at the market today, we noticed while walking through, so if you have questions for either transportation agency, this is an opportunity to get answers. ST of course is focused on the 25 days remaining to get your comment in about the West Seattle light rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement, while SDOT is mostly there to talk about commuting alternatives. Both tables are on the east side of the market, closer to the north end than the south end. As always, the market is open until 2 pm.

Longtime West Seattle Farmers’ Market vendor Mariposa Farm hit hard by flooding

(Photo from GoFundMe.com)

If you’re a regular West Seattle Farmers’ Market shopper, you know Mariposa Farm, a family-owned provider of fresh organic produce year-round. Last Sunday, they and other vendors had to deal with the revenue loss caused by the windstorm closure; then the next day, Mariposa Farm’s Whatcom County land was deluged by floodwaters. Multiple WSB readers have emailed to let us know that Mariposa is crowdfunding to try to recover; here’s the GoFundMe page, which has photos including the one above, as well as details of their losses. (Here’s an aerial look at flooding in Everson, where Mariposa Farm is located.)

CLOSED: No West Seattle Farmers’ Market today because of windy weather

9:16 AM: Thanks for the tips. The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is CLOSED today because of the windy weather, which is expected to continue throughout the day – the Wind Advisory alert says we could see gusts up to 45 mph. Details to come.

9:27 AM: That’s California south of Oregon, where the market usually would be set up. We talked to market staffers, who tell us that while the street-closure barricades are up right now, they’ll be coming down once they’re sure they’ve reached all the vendors.

West Seattle Farmers Market vendor Loki Fish Company recalling one of its products

August 29, 2021 9:41 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Farmers Market vendor Loki Fish Company recalling one of its products
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lisa for the tip: Loki Fish Company, a vendor at the West Seattle Farmers Market, is recalling one of its products, and if you have any of it, you can take it to them there for a refund. From the company’s announcement:

Loki Fish Company of Seattle is recalling 4 oz. packages of Keta Salmon Lox (UPC code 92103 00111) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with compromised immune systems….

The Keta Salmon Lox is packaged in a 4 oz. plastic package on a coated board. It is labeled as Wild Keta Lox, Loki Fish Co., Seattle, WA. There are no best-by dates on the package.

The Keta Salmon Lox was distributed through Cherry Sprout Produce in Portland, OR and Central Co-op and Pacific Coast Harvest in Seattle. It was also sold at the University District and West Seattle Farmers Markets.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The possibility of contamination was discovered during the FDA inspection at our co-packer Felix Custom Smoking, of Monroe, Washington in July 2021. Loki submitted samples of the Keta Lox to Micro-Chem Laboratories for testing. Loki has ceased production, sales, and distribution of keta lox immediately and Loki will continue the investigation as to what caused the problem.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If you have purchased this product, please do not consume it, and get rid of it immediately. You can return it to your place of purchase or to Loki Fish Company at the farmers market for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hing Ng at Loki Fish Company (hing@lokifish.com; 206-937-1048, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

While this is a company recall, not government-ordered, it was published on the FDA website as an FYI.

West Seattle Farmers Market: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor!

The West Seattle Farmers Market is joining the WSB sponsor team at the peak of its summer bounty. New WSB sponsors get to tell you about themselves – here’s what the market wants you to know:

Each Sunday the West Seattle Farmers Market offers fresh, local, and nutrient-dense produce and groceries for growing families. The West Seattle Farmers Market runs year-round, every Sunday, and focuses on food. Everything that is sold at markets is grown, raised, or produced in Washington. Each time you shop at the markets, you’re supporting the nonprofit that runs it, but more importantly small farmers and small businesses.

West Seattle Farmers Market simply has the best fresh produce. Oftentimes fruits and vegetables are picked less than 48 hours before the market. Buying directly from farmers allows you to ask about regenerative farming practices, treatment of soil, humane treatment of animals and their diets, and on and on. Buying directly from the source cuts out the middle man where things get a little muddy. Incorporating farmers’ markets into your weekly shopping habits is good for you, good for the economy, and great for planet earth. West Seattle Farmers Market also has an option to shop online! Folks can shop from their couch via the WhatsGood app and then pick up their orders on Sunday morning at the market.

The market is also a member of the West Seattle Junction Association! We also use the market as a supportive community space for nonprofits. COVID restrictions decreased these activities, but as markets get back to being allowed to operate at full capacity, we will have nonprofits scheduled inside the market footprint again. There’s more on our website about nonprofits, events, etc) and various charity efforts in cooperation with the WSJA – like a December coat drive and Toys For Tots event.

The West Seattle Farmers Market is open 10 am-2 pm every Sunday, year-round, on California Avenue SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.

We thank West Seattle Farmers Market for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

GARDENING: Need advice? Master Gardeners returning to West Seattle Farmers’ Market

(Bee in artichoke flower, photographed by Stewart L.)

Changes continue at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Tomorrow, Master Gardeners return:

WSU Extension Master Gardeners will return to the West Seattle Farmers Market this Sunday, July 11.

We can help identify plants that you have in your garden, and the problems that may trouble them – bring along a photo on your phone or a sample flower or leaf.

And if you are new to gardening, we have lots of ideas to help get you started.

Master Gardener volunteers are trained para-professionals who will provide you with information that is RESEARCH-BASED and focused on environmentally friendly gardening practices.

You can also ask gardening questions via email at ask-a-mastergardener@live.com

More information about the Master Gardener Program can be found here.

REOPENING: What’s changing at West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sunday

Look closely at the lower half of our photo from midday last Sunday and you’ll see the pink tape that has marked the perimeter of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market for months, restricting entry and exit to its south and north ends. Turns out last Sunday was its last hurrah. Market management has notified the West Seattle Junction Association that the reopening changes mean it can drop the tape – so starting this Sunday (July 4th), you’ll be able to move freely between businesses and market booths. The market will no longer require masks for entry, either. And other changes may be ahead – stand by. Throughout the pandemic, despite being an outdoor venue, the market has had to deal with tough restrictions, especially from the city, which wouldn’t even let farmers’ markets open for two months, despite the governor having designated them as “essential.”

ADDED: More from the Farmers’ Market newsletter:

In accordance with the Washington State Department of Health masking order, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask while in our markets.

-There are no longer capacity restrictions or lines to enter the market!
-Eating and drinking in the markets is allowed.
-NFM and Public Health no longer regulate touching/handling of produce handling, however, individual farm and market businesses may set their own safety requirements; please read signage at stands or ask if you’re unsure.

Oh Happy Day! Music, entertainment, and market events will be returning shortly.

FOOD & DRINK NOTES: Farmers’ Market; yogurt freebie; liquor-store followup

Three West Seattle food and drink notes this morning:

(WSB file photo, north end of market)

HOT FOOD @ FARMERS’ MARKET: The West Seattle Farmers’ Market management says it has Seattle/King County Public Health approval to bring back hot food, so vendors can again cook and serve at the market. But rules remain – for example, the announcement says:

Shoppers are not allowed to congregate in front of booths to wait for orders. When you arrive at market, check-in with your favorite prepared food vendor first thing. If it looks like your meal will take more than five minutes to prepare, do a lap, take care of your grocery shopping, then pick up your food on your way out. Each vendor will have their own method of managing wait times that best suit their business.

And once you have your food, it’s take-home time – no eating or drinking at the market. Plus – of course – masks are still required for all. The Farmers’ Market operates 10 am-2 pm Sundays on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon.

FREE YOGURT: Ellenos, a Seattle-based company, is giving away cups of its new Milk and Fruit yogurt at Whole Foods West Seattle (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) 9 am-12:30 pm Saturday. However, you can’t just show up – they’re asking you to sign up for a time slot here.

LIQUOR STORE: One month after Capco Beverages closed, the store’s new ownership has just filed for permits to overhaul the new space at 4712 42nd SW, the former Subway and Junction Fitness spots in outer Jefferson Square next to Nikko Teriyaki.

Got food/drink news? Let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

REMINDER: No West Seattle Farmers’ Market tomorrow

December 26, 2020 4:38 pm
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 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Don’t go looking for the West Seattle farmers’ Market in The Junction tomorrow – you won’t find it. Market managers and vendors decided to take a weekend off to recharge for the new year, and they’ll be back the following Sunday (January 3rd), 10 am-2 pm as usual.

No West Seattle Farmers’ Market next Sunday

December 21, 2020 2:15 pm
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 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

The West Seattle Farmers’ Market can usually be found in The Junction every Sunday, rain or shine or snow or wind, even on holidays – but this year, the market’s decided to take a post-Christmas break. Market management explained to the Junction Association, “We gathered feedback from vendors and decided to cancel [December 27th] so everyone can have a weekend of rest before the new year.” (The order-online-for-pickup service was already planning to take next Sunday off anyway.) The market will be back on Sunday, January 3rd, 10 am-2 pm as usual.

YOU CAN HELP: Got some time to spare on Sundays?

(WSB photo from May)

If you’re going to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market on Sundays anyway – the nonprofit that operates it is calling again for volunteers:

Volunteer opportunity to support local farms and food access!

The West Seattle Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help on market days with social distancing protocols and logistics, helping to keep our beloved farmers market running smoothly and safely for all. If you’d like to be a friendly, knowledgeable (masked) face inside the market, please fill out our volunteer application form! Of course, we’ll make sure you have time to shop too!

If you’re new – the market is open 10 am-2 pm Sundays in The Junction, on California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska.

YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle Farmers Market seeks volunteers

(WSB photo from May)

From the nonprofit that operates farmers’ markets including ours:

Volunteer opportunity to support local farms and food access!

The West Seattle Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help on market days with social distancing protocols and logistics, helping to keep our beloved farmers market running smoothly and safely for all. If you’d like to be a friendly, knowledgeable (masked) face inside the market, please fill out our volunteer application form! Of course, we’ll make sure you have time to shop too!

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Back again Sunday

(WSB photo, May 3rd West Seattle Farmers’ Market)

For a third week after the mayor-mandated pandemic-related closure, the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be back again on Sunday (May 17th). Hours remain 10 am-2 pm; the sole entrance is at California/Alaska, with the line (if necessary) stretching eastward on Alaska, but once you’re in the market, it’s no longer one-way shopping (that was dropped after the first week). Here’s the vendor list – check links for individual vendors to see who’s offering pre-orders/pre-payment.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open again this Sunday

(WSB photo from last Sunday)

Just announced by the city, which is currently granting permits on a week-by-week basis – the West Seattle Farmers’ Market will be open again this Sunday, 10 am-2 pm on California SW between Alaska and Oregon. Find info on policies and vendors here; our coverage of last Sunday’s market – the first one in two months – is here.