Farm to Table market returns Wednesday at Lake Tye

The Monroe Farm to Table Farmers Market kicks off this week with a new location, new activities and twice as many vendors as last year.-á

Founded by Monroe resident Molly Daniels, the summer market begins Wednesday, June 22, and will be open 3-8 p.m. at the southwest end of Monroe's Lake Tye Park.

This year's market will feature more than 60 vendors every week, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, freshly roasted coffee, herbs, plants, flowers and more. Handcrafted items will be available, including jewelry, candles, soap and baked goods. There will be representation by local nonprofits, activities for kids and several food trucks offering dinner, dessert and espresso.-á

"We are so excited for the 2016 Farm to Table Farmers Market season,GÇ¥ Daniels said. "This year will bring back some of your favorite vendors, as well as dozens of new ones. We'll have 60-plus vendors, live music, food trucks, a kids' corner and a beautiful lake and park.GÇ¥

The first 250 adult guests at Wednesday's opening day celebration will receive goody bags filled with free samples, coupons, discount opportunities and other items. The goody bags were sponsored by Monroe dentist Dr. Jeremy Johnson, a two-year farmers market supporter.-á

The weekly market will run through Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Daniels is bringing back several themed market day events made popular during last year's Farm to Table Farmers Market in Traveler's Park near downtown Monroe.-á Guests will enjoy Christmas in July, Dog Days of Summer, Kids Day and Seahawks Day ' all making a splash for the second year in a row.

One of advantages of holding the market at Lake Tye are the public restroom facilities, Daniels said, which were not available at her previous location. Other changes include the lack of a beer garden, which isn't allowed under state regulations guiding the operation of farmers markets.

Guests wishing to imbibe some craft brews while their loved ones shop can cross the street to Dreadnaught Brewing on 146th, behind Paesano's Coffee.-á

Daniels has incorporated a new element this year called the Power of Produce Kids Club, an incentivized program designed to inspire kids age three through 12 to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Participating youth are given a "Passport to Health,GÇ¥ filled with opportunities to complete an activity and earn a stamp. Once the passport has been filled, they can turn it in and receive $2 in market cash to spend on fresh produce, seeds or plants.-á -á

"This program is completely free for the community and is sponsored by local companies,GÇ¥ Daniels said.

There will be a total of four "Passport to HealthGÇ¥ activities at each market. Organizations providing activities for the club include the Monroe Boys & Girls Club, the Monroe Christian School, the Monroe YMCA and Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry. Sponsorship opportunities to help support this program throughout the summer are still available; a donation of $24 supports one child throughout the entire 12-week farmers market season, while a donation of $200 allows 100 kids to participate in the program on any given Wednesday.

In addition to the free goody bags for the first 250 customers, opening day on June 22 will feature live music and face painting.-á -á

"The Banner Days will be performing live, and there are nearly 70 vendors, including five food trucks, face painting, kids' craft booths and so much more,GÇ¥ Daniels said. "Come on down and say hi every Wednesday through Sept. 7.GÇ¥

For more information on the Farm to Table Farmers Market, including a complete list of vendors, visit www.facebook.com/farmtotablemonroe. To help support the Power of Produce Kids Club, click here.