The South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market opens for the season on Sunday, May 4 from with an epic program that will include the annual Maypole winding, a children’s garden and fire-eating, according to a press release
The market is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the opening gong, Whidbey’s very own community “honk” band, Mutiny Bay Brass, will start the musical energy. Then, at 11:45 a.m. all ages are invited to gather ‘round the Maypole. This year the strings duet, Ribbons & Bows (Brigitte Tennis and Caroline Penny), will accompany the Maypole dance, led by Anza Muenchow and Marc Wilson.
Prop comic, Marcus Raymond, with over 5,000 shows under his belt, will be doing balloons, juggling and hosting other fun delights, including fire-eating, from 1-2 p.m. Music by Green Leader follows until 3 p.m.
A children’s garden is in the works to open that day. The garden isn’t completely planned out, but input from children and families is needed. Children can directly impact how the garden is shaped and come back every Sunday market to explore the growing garden and activities planned there.
New vendors this year include 12 Birches Farm, Obvious Ingredients, Whidbey Island Microgreens, Ad Astra Bakery, Whidbey Island Waldorf School, Grass Becomes A Wave and Case Farm, to name a few. Windy Indigo Farm and Fiber will sell eggs and veggies in addition to their pastured lamb CSA shares, wool yarn and knit wares.
Returning regular and guest vendors will be there too. Look for produce and plant starts from the Organic Farm School, Blackberry Moon, Pocket Full of Posies, Purple Shift Farm, Silva Family Farm and the Community Produce Booth. Prepared foods and drinks are available from OSM Eats, Caravan Foods and Hierophant Meadery. Chef in the Black Bandana arrives May 11.
Also look for artisans, crafters and services that range from soaps, to knives and sharpening, knitwear, jewelry, tarot readings, tuning fork sessions, metal arts, apparel and much more.
The WSU Master Gardeners return in May and June to answer any plant or gardening-related questions. Sign up at the welcome table for the market tours at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., guided by a volunteer who will introduce you to the vendors and explain the food access programs. SNAP customers are welcome and will have their purchase matched up to $25 each market day. The parents with WIC benefits may use their Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards and get up to $12 each visit. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program does not begin until June 1. Stop at the welcome table for an application or to process a SNAP card.
The market is located at 2812 Thompson Road on Highway 525 between Freeland and Bayview; look for the scarecrow. For updates check Facebook and Instagram pages. Or visit the South Whidbey Tilth website at southwhidbeytilth.org or email Market Manager Kirstin Clauson at market@southwhidbeytilth.org.
