I have to say, I love farmers markets.

There seems to be a sense of pride that comes with every market I attend.

It’s fun to talk with the vendors and learn about their products and all the work that went into them.  It took many years for the community I previously lived in to get a farmers market started. The first one was finally held last year.

That market averages 20 or so vendors.

It took a lot of work to get that market up and running.

It takes a community to support events like these.

I was a bit surprised to learn this week that the Coupeville Farmers Market averages 49 vendors each week.

This is also the market’s 35th consecutive year.

That’s pretty impressive.

It’s great to see a small community with such a large market showing.

It just goes to show how many neat people are in this community doing a variety of trades.

The Coupeville market starts this week, opening 10 a.m. Saturday on the community green behind the library.

I, for one, plan to be there.

One of my favorite things to do is find one item I’ve never tried before and make something with it.

One of my favorite markets is the Olympia Farmers Market.

When market season starts, it becomes a way of life.

People’s eating habits change to cater to what they can find. I know mine does.

I think things taste better from markets and are a good representation of the area.

Products vary from market to market. No two areas alike.

I think you can learn a lot about an area and community through its local vendors.

I’m looking forward to market season.

Coupeville’s is the first of several on Whidbey Island. The others will start  later into spring.

You can find more information about the market on page 6.

Market manager Peg Tennant is busy getting the starting lineup going. If you’re interested in participating, she can be reached at 360-678-4288.