Everyone kept saying it was going to rain last Saturday… I checked in with the weather vane on my ol’ barn and it said no way, sunshine all day. Big crowds kept coming throughout the day basking on the Boardwalk Bistro. When you’re wandering through the market and see people putting up canopies, table, chairs, emptying garbage cans and dispensing market tokens, stop and say thanks, as they are all volunteers that help make the market a success. If you missed signing up last week for Wanolitto’s Wine Club, fear not, there is plenty of room in the barrel for more. It is free to join and all you have to do is carry our punch card with you when you shop. For every 18 bottles you purchase, you get one FREE.  I have also extended our 20% (2 or more bottles) or 25% (6 or more) off sales for this coming Saturday. The Roma tomatoes are abundant now and it would be a good time to make lots of Italian Gravy for the long winter months, you can download this week’s recipe “Tomato Sauce” by clicking here (PDF file). This Saturday is jam packed with things to see and do. Along with the market from 10am to 2pm there is the annual Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival held in Beach Park from noon to 8pm. This is the Rotary Club of Des Moines fund raiser that benefits Highline Schools Music4Life program.  Also in the North parking lot is a Classic Car Show from 10am to 3pm. To make it easier to park, there will be three shuttles running throughout the marina lots and downtown (click image to see larger version):

Vendor Profile This week we are featuring Tonnemaker Family Orchard.  It is the direct-sale arm of Tonnemaker Hill Farm. The Tonnemaker brothers, Kole and Kurt, currently farm 126 acres on the North Slope of the Frenchman Hills in Royal City, WA, and grow over 400 cultivars of organic fruits and vegetables. Their mission is to provide fresh, great tasting fruit and produce in a sustainable way at affordable prices and to develop a direct relationship with those who eat their food. Customers have the opportunity to know the farm and the farmer. Their philosophy is to feel responsible to use the resources they have in such a way that the land can continue to produce healthy food for generations to come. In a sense they feel they do not own the land but instead have borrowed it from their grandchildren. The family strongly believes that organic food should not be priced beyond the reach of the average consumer. They first started to sell their products in Farmers Markets in 1992 and today they are in 19 markets throughout the week. Stop by and check out the just in peaches and other fruits that are coming into season. If you see an old geezer manning the cash register, say hello to “Grandpa Gene”. Food Truck Scene New to the market this week is Gusta Sandwiches serving delicious Italian meat based sandwiches.  Stella Fiore Pizza, Evolution Revolution, Skinny Phoenix are also back. click on the names for their great menus. Sponsor Corner This week the market is highlighting sponsor Salon Michelle.    Stop and say hello to owner Michelle Fawcett and she can show you why Salon Michelle is your hair’s best friend. Music Back by popular demand this Saturday is the band “Flannel Asparagus.” This group of talented gentlemen will also be at the market September 7 and October 5 & 19. Need a ride to the market seniors? The Senior Services Hyde Shuttle is available again this Saturday and every other Saturday thru the end of October. It provides door to door transportation to the market for seniors 55 and older and people with disabilities of all ages living in Des Moines, Normandy Park and Burien from 11am-2pm.  To make your reservation call 206-727-6262, at least 3 days before the Saturday Market.  For more information please contact Brady Wright, Senior Shuttle Outreach Coordinator, at 206-878-2066. When onboard don’t forget to thank the Hyde Shuttle volunteer drivers for making it easier for seniors, without transportation. Community Groups Back once again is the kid’s all-time favorite Highline MaST Center with their touchy-feely tanks filled with wild creatures from Puget Sound waters. Also back again is King County Master Recycler Composters who have provided King County residents outside the City of Seattle with waste prevention and recycling information and tips they can use in their everyday lives. Through a variety of outreach venues, these volunteers donate invaluable time encouraging residents to make informed decisions about preventing waste and using resources wisely. Upcoming events This coming September 14th   is our annual Kids Back to School/Safety Day. Also it will be another Kids Fishing Derby. And, for all you food lovers, it is our first annual Food Truck-In with over 10 trucks offering a wide variety of entrees. Look for more information as this day draws near. Look for lots of stuff for kids to see and participate in. Applications are starting to roll in for our annual Chili Cook-Off on the last day of the market, October 26th. If you think you have the “right stuff” to compete against the 20 teams that will be mixing it up, click here for the application and cook-off rules. We expect the 20 positions will be filled by the end of the month, so don’t procrastinate.]]>