As the skies turn blue and the sun returns to the Pacific Northwest, April is the perfect time to get outside and do some shopping at one – or maybe several – of Whidbey’s farmers markets.
With markets in North, Central and South Whidbey this year, it’s not difficult for islanders to find fresh produce, flowers, soap, jewelry and more from farmers and artisans.
Oak Harbor
A new addition this year, the Oak Harbor Farmers Market is making a return. Melissa Stewart, the president of North Central Whidbey Farmers Market, explained that the market will happen monthly in a series of different locations, starting in May, in order to gather input from the community about where the market will be permanently located next year.
“The reinvigoration of Oak Harbor is definitely something we’re trying to improve upon,” she said.
A nonprofit organization, North Central Whidbey Farmers Market manages and operates both the Oak Harbor and Coupeville farmers markets.
North Whidbey residents certainly felt the absence of a farmers market last year. Survey results from last fall indicated a preference for a farmers market in Oak Harbor on Thursday afternoons.
The Oak Harbor Farmers Market will run 4-7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month, from May to August. It will take place in Rotary Park on May 9, in Fort Nugent Park on June 13, on a closed-down portion of Pioneer Way on July 11 and near the splash pad at Windjammer Park on Aug. 8.
Coupeville
Stewart said the Coupeville Farmers Market had a robust turnout this past Saturday, which was the opening day of the season. The market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 12. The only exception is Aug. 10, when the market is closed for the Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival.
This year marks the 45th year of operation for the Coupeville Farmers Market, which is always located at 788 Northwest Alexander St. A special anniversary market is planned for July 27, during which former vendors and retired farmers will be invited to a community picnic.
The endcap to the season, Oct. 12, happens to coincide with the return of the Coupeville HarvestFest, a town event that has taken a hiatus for the past few years. To celebrate, there will be an expanded market, a hay bale maze, a pumpkin patch, antique tractor displays and a penny carnival.
Vendor applications are still being accepted by the North Central Whidbey Farmers Market, although preference is given to farmers and processors. There is a waitlist for artists and crafters to balance the numbers. Sponsors for the markets are also being sought.
South Whidbey Tilth
The 53rd season for the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market begins this Sunday, April 28. The market located at 2812 Thompson Road runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday until Oct. 13. A scarecrow visible from Highway 525 beckons shoppers to stop by this popular market.
Ready-to-eat foods and beverages are a highlight of this market, including wood fired pizza by OSM Eats. The market also boasts free wi-fi, live music and a children’s play area, according to an announcement from South Whidbey Tilth.
Opening day festivities include a May Pole dance, music by Island Strings in the morning and the smooth tones of saxophonist Danny Ward in the afternoon.
Customers can expect to find new vendors this year, as well as the new Tilth Booth, which will provide education on South Whidbey Tilth as an organization. Visitors are welcome to share with staff at the booth what they like about the market and what they want to see more of.
Bayview
With over 70 different vendors, the Bayview Farmers Market is the biggest of its kind on the island. It opens this Saturday, April 27 at its usual location on Bayview Road, in the field next to Bayview Community Hall. The market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 19.
Ryan Adkins, the market manager, said there will be several new and exciting food options this year, including Mommafish, a Langley sushi restaurant, and Fulla Za, a pizza business with a traveling portable oven.
Other new vendors, like Erin’s Paint Planet, will allow customers to get crafty. Seven Species Farm, run by an Organic Farm School graduate, will present offerings from its inaugural season.
Staff from Washington State University Extension will attend the market once a month to provide information about its SNAP-Ed program, which is for people who receive SNAP benefits. WSU Extension will complete recipe demonstrations and tastings to show shoppers what they can do with seasonal fruits and veggies. The Bayview Farmers Market, like others on Whidbey, accepts SNAP and can provide a statewide market match of up to $25.
“We’re all about food access here at the market,” Adkins said.
Live music every weekend is fully booked. The opening act is the Vintage Country Folk Band with Kevin Fristad playing “toe-tappin’ melodies.” There will also be activities for kids to earn a small amount of cash to spend on produce.
