Farm to table market going strong with special themes

Since July, Monroe's new weekly Farm to Table Farmers Market has provided Sky Valley residents with a place to gather, mingle and shop. Market coordinator Molly Daniels is pleased with the way things have turned out so far, and has plenty of surprises in store for the remainder of the season.

"The market is still going strong,GÇ¥ Daniels said. "The vendors are doing well and we are growing every week!GÇ¥-á

Located near Monroe's famous Carnation steam stack, the market is held 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday in Traveler's Park.

Local vendors offer fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, handcrafted jewelry, home d+¬cor, fresh eggs, locally produced wine, hot food, a beer garden, coffee and more. Each week there are live musical performances and activities for kids, including face painting by Ninyel Masterjohn and balloon animals by Sean the Balloon Guy.

Daniels has incorporated various themes into the market, including Christmas in July, which took place on Wednesday, July 29, and Dog Days of Summer, which took place on Wednesday, Aug. 12. She collaborated with Sam's Cats and Dogs, Naturally owner Sam Wirsching to accomplish the canine-themed event, which included dog-themed crafts and face painting. Wirsching provided free dog treats made by the Wet Noses organic dog treat company in Monroe.

Other vendors have included Whackadoodles and Wanderlust artisan Staci Scheffer, Spoonful of Sweets pastry chef Tania Consolini, Just Like Grandma's Caramel Corn, Tualco Valley Produce and Sharinabean's mobile espresso stand. Daniels has continually worked to tailor the market based on customer and vendor feedback. Recently, she reorganized the hot food vendors so that they are primarily situated in one area.

Hot food is typically available from Spoons D'Italia, Big Dogs Hot Dog Joint, Papa's Wood Fired Pizza, Yoforit Frozen Yogurt, Atsukis Food Truck and the Vet Chef.

Daniels' next scheduled themed market will be a kids' vendor day on Wednesday, Aug. 26. All craft-savvy youngsters are welcome to take part in the event, which will give child artists the opportunity to showcase their wares.

During Dog Days of Summer, Sharinabean's owner Sharina McCrain served lattes while her 8-year-old daughter Ciarra handcrafted colorful bracelets. Ciarra is looking to participating in the kids' vendor day market and has been busy with preparations.

"She is looking forward to sharing her homemade flowers and bracelets at the upcoming market,GÇ¥ Sharina said. "She feels every time someone gets one of her homemade items, she has made a new friend and they have something to remember her by.GÇ¥

Local country music sensation Dakota Neuman will perform during the Aug. 26 market. Earlier this year Neuman won the Washington Nashville Country Star competition, becoming the 2015 Washington Nashville Country Star Champion and winning $1,500. Neuman has numerous upcoming performances at the Evergreen State Fair, including an opening-day performance of the National Anthem.

Other themed events throughout the summer and fall series will include Seahawks Day featuring team mascot Blitz, Bearcats Day, Oktoberfest and Harvest Festival. Daniels is planning to run the market through mid-October.-á

For more information about the Farm to Table Farmers Market, visit the Facebook page-á or the website-á.

Daniels is currently seeking musical performers and volunteers to assist with set up and tear down. To sign up as a volunteer, contact Daniels at farmtotable monroe@outlook.com.