Great Summer Treat at Farmers Market

If you are thinking of things to do or where to go for the remaining days of Spring and during the Summer, plan on visiting the Farmers Markets or Outdoor Markets. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, beautiful handmade crafts, woodcarvings, and many other things. Check your community event calendars and enjoy.

In My Community

Starting the middle of Spring until the end of Summer each year, several US states open a community event called "Farmers Market", which is also called "Outdoor Market". In Battle Ground, Washington, where I live, it started in May. This is a place where vendors set up their booths and showcase their merchandise for everyone to see and buy. Vendor applicants are screened by a committee before they can actually participate as Vendors. Their products are checked to make sure that they are of best quality and are to be sold at reasonable prices. This is a very good community event because you get to know a lot about your area, you get to see products that you never thought existed before, and you get to eat food that you have been craving for so long. That's not it yet. You will also enjoy watching performers sing and dance. So, if you are interested, plan ahead. Don't let summer go by without stopping by. The market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from May 5th to July 28th.

Organic Products

Vendors are only allowed to sell fruits, vegetables, and poultry products if these items come from their own farms. This is the policy that is being implemented strictly to make sure that they are grown naturally and untreated. The committee sends a representative to check the location of the farm and inspects the site before applicants are approved to participate as vendors. Enjoy the freshness of apples, grapes, strawberries, cherries, and other fruits. If you are planning to serve salad for dinner, you can find fresh greens such as lettuces, spinach, celeries, and other leafy vegetables. There are also carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, and many more. Fresh eggs are also available which are being sold by piece or by dozen. Eat healthy and be happy.

Blooms and Foliage

If what you are looking for are plants or flowers, there are plenty to choose from. These also come from the vendors' own farms. Most plants are sold in pots. There are flowers that are also sold in pots, but most are fresh cuts that you can put on flower vases. You can find different species of flowers from annuals to perrenials, and from bulbs to bushes in different colors. There are roses, daffodils, tulips, irises, to name a few. They sell fast, so make sure to visit the market early so you won't be disappointed. There are vendors who also take orders and have the customers pick them up the following weekend, or for a minimum fee, will be delivered to your house. Some people who are good in flower art make leis that can be used for parties. Or if you want to make a potpourri, you can combine different types and colors of flowers, dry them, pour some scents, and voila, you have a very frugal home made fragrance in your bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms.

Arts and Crafts

Browse the Arts and Crafts section of the market and you will be amazed to see different unique handcrafted items. Vendors are required to sell only handmade items, or they will be disqualified. Stuffed toys, purses, aprons, paintings, calligraphies, greeting cards, and framed arts are worth looking at. If you would like your own portrait drawn or painted, there are artists who do them on the spot.

You will also find beautifully designed scented candles, soaps, lotions, and shampoos. There are handblown stained glasses, magnets, woodcarvings, jewelries, and a lot more items that I have not mentioned. See for yourself to get some ideas. They are good for gift giving or for personal use.

Entertainment, Food, and Fun Stuff

The market will never be complete without entertainment, food, and all the fun stuff. You will get the chance to see performers singing and dancing on stage. There will be magicians doing some tricks right before your eyes. Join the hula hoop contest and win prizes.

There are foods that are served hot or cold depending on what you want. There are choices between Chinese, Mexican, American, Asian, and other types of great tasting delicacies. Coffee drinkers will never be disappointed because there are many stalls everywhere. Cold drinks such as soda pops, bottled water, fruit juices are also available.

There will be a lot of fun for kids and adults. You will find balloon twisters who blow balloons then twist them to form animal shapes. If you would like to have your face painted, there are many artists who do face painting using different designs. For those who enjoy rides, there are ferris wheels and roller coasters. So, plan your visit now before it's too late. I'm sure you'll have so much fun. It's an event for the whole family.

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