The Renton Farmers Market has kicked off for the summer season and, for the first time in two years, it will be held in its original home, Piazza Park.
“For the past two seasons we’ve been operating under strict guidelines but we’re excited to return to Piazza Park,” said Carrie Olson, coordinator for the Renton Farmers Market and community garden. “We’re excited to see smiling faces.”
The farmers market will be open every Tuesday until September 27, from 3 to 7 p.m., and will be filled with local vendors, live entertainment, WSU Master Gardeners, kids activities, and food trucks.
On opening day June 7, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone along with Ruth Smith of Kaiser Permanente, one of the market’s sponsors, spoke to the crowd, which included Renton City Councilmembers Valerie O’Halloran and Carmen Rivera, about the importance of the Renton Farmers Market. After the speeches, Pavone rang the opening bell, allowing patrons to officially line up for the booths, which included local baked goods, beverages, ready-to-eat food, and various goods.
It wouldn’t be a farmers market without fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, and cheeses from local farms, which was a major focus of the opening day market.
“The farmers have had a tough spring so we really need shoppers to help them out,” said Olson.
Along with local vendors, a variety of live entertainment will fill the market’s roster over the next few months, with each act having their own week. For opening day, local musician Biff Moss performed for the crowd and he will return for the market’s closing day on September 27.
Along with Moss, enjoy other musical performances by Hazen Jazz Band, Frankie McCabe, Henry LaVallee, Gianni Aiello, Abel Ames, Tor Dietrichson, Daniel Pellegrini, Danny Godinez, Paula Boggs, and Ray Smalley. Musical performances are all expected to begin at 4:30 p.m.
Each week at the market, there is a kids activity area called Kid’s Patch and the Kid’s Passport Program, a free 8-week program where children do activities, win prizes, and learn about the market and “the importance of fruits and vegetables.” For patrons looking for sustainable solutions to their gardening problems or any plant-related questions, the Master Gardeners will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. each week.
The market is also continuing its “SNAP Bucks” program under the new name “SNAP Market Match”, which allows SNAP/EBT card users to match up to $40 on their cards with the SNAP Market Match dollars, which can be redeemed only at participating booths. Patrons can buy fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, seeds and edible plants using the SNAP Market Match. Cut flowers, alcohol, and any food or drink intended to be consumed on-site are excluded from the program.
Piazza Park is located in Downtown Renton at 233 Burnett Ave. S where there will be 2nd Street access to free two-hour parking at Renton’s City Center Parking Garage. Bus access
will be available at the Renton Transit Center, immediately north of the farmers market’s location. Logan Ave. S is closed during the market for shopper safety and only service animals are allowed into the weekly event.
Renton Farmers Market coordinator Carrie Olson presents the bell for Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone to ring, officially opening the market for the season. Photo: Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Along with produce, drinks, art and ready-to-eat food, the Renton Farmers Market offers cut flowers. Photo: Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
