Where do all these people come from???? Amazed by another huge crowd, I walked thru the market introducing myself and asked people where they lived. I was blown away – half the people I talked with did not live in Des Moines. Here are just some of the places people came from: Kent, Federal Way, Tacoma, Auburn, Kirkland, Normandy Park, Burien, Sea-Tac, Tukwila, Renton, White Center, West Seattle, Seattle, Everett and as far away as Florida, California, Germany, Oregon and Japan. Almost all of them said they came on a regular basis because of the friendliness of everyone here and of course the fabulous venue. Four ladies from Kirkland carpool a couple times a month. The Clutter to Cash Sale was a huge success and both shoppers & vendors said they would like to see more. Right now the market is looking to set aside a date in August. Keep checking this column, the market’s web site and information booth for more details.

DMFMWineTo help celebrate the 4th of July, we are having Farmers Market Wine Sale, purchase any four bottles and receive a 20% discount and a free canvas wine tote.
GingersTreatsVendor Profile: This week we are featuring Ginger’s Treats, offering gourmet USDA organic dog snacks with handcrafted flavor and quality. Owner Katie Metz says “we are a local company and our treats contain No wheat, No soy, No corn, No preservatives, No artificial flavors and No artificial colors. We want nothing more than to have happy healthy dogs everywhere.” When she isn’t at the market, you can stop by the Wine Tasting booth for coupons and free samples for your doggy. Music: PK Dwyer Food Trucks: Curb Jumper, Fish Basket, Hot Revolution Donuts, Lumpia World, Nibbles New Vendor: Bear’s Breath: Ketchup for the Bold Market sponsor: Law Offices of Gehrke, Baker, Doull & Kelly donated their booth space this week to Friend to Friend America which recruits and matches volunteers to visit (one-to-one) with elderly and disabled persons who live in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes. The volunteer friends make a commitment to visit at least twice a month at their convenience, for a minimum of one year. Seniors don’t forget that the market and the King Conservation District, along with partner Senior Services, are offering the HYDE Shuttle providing local door to door transportation to the market to seniors 55 and older and people with disabilities of all ages living in Des Moines, Normandy Park, Burien and this year Sea-Tac. Sunset Markets happen every Wednesday from 3-7pm in July and August. There will be over 30 vendors, some that will be new to us and plenty of Food Trucks. After shopping and eating people can walk into the beach park and enjoy the Des Moines Art Commission’s free summer concerts at 7pm. The Farmers Market is reaching out to support local business this season. To any Des Moines brick and mortar, independent, locally owned and operated business, the market is offering a free booth space for one market day during the 2015 season to promote their business. To make it easy, canopy, table & chairs will be provided. To participate, go to www.DMFM.org and download the application and mail it in. The Des Moines Area Food Bank kids free summer meals program is every Saturday at the market. Snacks are served from 10-11am and lunch from 11:30 to 1pm. There will also be free meals at the Sunset Markets starting Wednesday July 1st. Snacks are from 3-4pm and dinner is 4:30 to 6:30pm. Upcoming Events: July 4th –    Fireworks over Des Moines. July 18thWaterland Festival Activities. Remember to PITCH IT IN. To keep up with all the special events, featuring what’s fresh and entertainment at the market, please log onto the web site and sign up for our e-newsletter that comes out once a week. You can also keep up on all the activities by visiting the markets Facebook page.]]>