A tantalizing taste was offered at the Garden market and now the possibility for a fresh, full course dinner to be put on the table is a real possibility. The Edmonds Museum Summer Market is here! All the fresh vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and other delectable ingredients of a delicious meal, are at your doorstep. All you have to do is plan the meal, buy the goodies, and cook up a tasty meal.

The Edmonds Museum Summer Market runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 29 to Oct. 5. Flowers, crafts, jewelry, bake goods, and some great food vendors have worked their magic to bring you outstanding treats. Planning a wedding, buy your flowers at the market, looking for a unique gift, for that hard to buy for friend, last minute company arriving and no time to bake a pie, hungry, and just not interested in cooking, you got it…come to the Summer Market. There is something here for everyone, and perhaps even a visit with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while!

The Museum Market Committee is thrilled that the new farmers who joined us for the Garden Market have felt so welcomed to the Edmonds Market family that they have decided to stay with us for the summer season.  So, for those of you who have not tried a steak or burgers from Skagit River Ranch, there is still time. Our other pastured livestock farmers like Martiny Livestock and Sky Valley Farm will be back as well with lamb, pork, and more. There is a wonderful, tasty selection from Mt. Townsend Creamery’s soft cow cheeses, Golden Glen Creamery’s Goudas, Cheddars, and butters, and even some fantastic goat cheese from Gothberg Farm.

All our of favorite pit fruit farmers are returning: Tonnemaker’s, Collins, Bill’s, and Martins. Many of whom are multi-generational Washington Farmers, taking such pride in sharing their produce with the Edmonds community.  As far as row crop or vegetable farmers, Frog Song, Gypsy Rows, Flying Tomato, Mother Nature, and Anthem (Formally Five Acre) Farm are all ready to go.  The rows have been planted, irrigated, and babied, and now mother nature has to do her thing. Berries are already starting to appear at the Garden Market, and more will be around by the time the market starts June 29. They are all returning: Jessie’s, Youngquist, Hayton, and Anthem.

As far as sweet treats or sides to enjoy, don’t forget to visit Deborah’s Pies, Blue Cottage Jams, Phil’s Apiaries Honey, Lopez Vineyard, Pasteria Lucchese, Pete’s Perfect Toffee, Middle Fork, or our new tea vendor, Shen Zen Tea. So much to enjoy!!!

Looking for some sparkly fun, or maybe a new salad bowl or serving dish, we will have a diverse selection of local artisans, with jewelry, pottery, wood crafts, fabric arts, yarns, and more!  Each week you will find something new to enjoy, maybe take home, and definitely enjoy a smile or two, when viewing such creative ideas.

The Edmonds Summer Market is also pleased to announce that farmer’s who have registered with the program, will now be able to accept WIC and Senior Vouchers at the market. If you receive these vouchers, look for the yellow and white sign on your favorite farm stand.  If you don’t see it, ask.  Many of the farmers at the market can take WIC and/or Senior Vouchers, but not all.

The Summer Market is the community out-reach project of the Edmonds Museum, and its main fund raiser. It is the reason we have such an excellent staff that prepare such wonderful museum exhibits. It is the reason that we have the Haunted Museum for Halloween, have the popcorn give-away for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and participate in the Thursday Art Walks.  It is all because of you, and your support of the Edmonds Museum Market. You didn’t know you were so important, did you?

All of the projects, mentioned above, are supported by a dedicated and delightful staff of volunteers. None of these activities could take place without them. Have some time on your hands?  ontact the museum at 425-774-0900, and let them know where you might like to volunteer. There are several areas you might be interested in, the White Elephant table at the market, selling the items donated to the museum, being a docent a few hours a month in the museum, talking about Edmonds history and the current exhibit (don’t worry you’ll be able to read all about it, so you do not need to be a long time resident) and joining the Museum Guild and helping with various museum functions, such as exhibit openings.

The Market is always looking for donations to the White Elephant table.  Items in good condition, clean, attractive and in working condition, if applicable, are always welcome. Books, games, tools, dishes, glassware, dolls, toys, figurines, salt & pepper shakers, and brass and copper items are just a few suggestions. Don’t throw it away! Recycle, repurpose, and reuse is our mantra.  Leave items at the museum or bring to the White Elephant Table any Saturday.  Don’t forget, if it did not sell at your garage sale, and it is clean, useable, and workable, bring it down.  A great summer is ahead, make the Edmonds Museum Summer Market a part of it.

— by Bette G. Bell, Museum Market Board member