Last Wednesday marked the grand opening of Monroe's new Farm to Table Farmers Market, and coordinator Molly Daniels couldn't have ordered a better day if she'd tried. The skies were sunny, the air was warm and the Sky Valley community turned out in droves.
Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas and members of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce held a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, as a way to formally usher in the new market. Ongoing throughout the summer, the farmers market will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday afternoon.
"This is a wonderful thing,GÇ¥ Thomas said. "I've heard time and time again about how people want to have a farmers market here in town. This is absolutely exciting!GÇ¥
Daniels, a mother of four, decided to organize the market after recognizing the community need. Located at 501 E. Main St. near Traveler's Park, the season opener featured local produce, hot food, locally-made jewelry and other items, a beer garden, live music, face painting and activities for kids.
Vendor booths lined either side of Ann Street, featuring fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, Monroe-roasted coffee, jewelry and
more. A beer garden, courtesy of Adam's Northwest Bistro & Brewery, was situated in the small triangular-shaped park.
Rebecca Carlson of Skagit Sun Berries, located in Mount Vernon, offered freshly-picked blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Carlson advised customers that returning the berry boxes the following week would earn them $1 off their next purchase. Youngquist Farms, also from Mount Vernon, offered a similar selection along with golden raspberries and strawberries.
Monroe entrepreneur Patti Gibbons enjoyed opening day and will be returning to the market on Wednesday, July 22, with her collection of hand-crafted soaps, lotions, salves and lip balms. Gibbons, who specializes in creating natural soaps without using harsh chemicals, has been making soap-ásince 2007. Her shop, Heavenly Soap, is located on N. Blakeley, across from the Monroe Post Office.
Overall, Daniels was very pleased with how things went on opening day.
"Wednesday was fabulous,GÇ¥ Daniels said. "We loved to see so many in the community come down and support the Farm to Table Farmers Market! We will have many returning and new vendors each week, so come back and see what other goodies you can find.GÇ¥
Vendors on Wednesday, July 22, will include; Spoons d'Italia, TJ & CJ's Honeyhuggers, Dubindil Winery, Simply too Shabby, Smith Brothers Farms, Kenzie's Pendants, Yoforit Frozen Yogurt, Papa's Wood Fired Pizza, Masterjohn Face Painting, Rainysunday Ranch, Cremazen, Martin Family Orchard, Sharinabean's, Waterwheel Creek Farm Fresh Eggs, Tualco Valley Produce and others.
Daniels is looking to expand vegetable offerings, and would like to add fresh flowers, jams and baked goods. For more information about the market, or to find out how to sign up to be a vendor, email farmtotablemonroe@outlook.com. To find learn which vendors will be attending from week to week, follow Farm to Table on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/farmtotablemonroe?fref=nf.
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