Market Poster Contest 2016

Parents of students at Audubon and Garfield Elementary,  please take note!

The Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market is holding its third annual poster contest for students in neighborhood schools. Audubon Elementary and Garfield Elementary are the schools that have been invited to take part this year. A notice should have been distributed in the students’ Monday folders about two weeks ago.

Students in grades 1–6 at these schools are asked to design a poster for the upcoming 2016 market season.

The poster should:

  • be in color on white 8.5″ x 11″ (US letter-sized) paper; portrait or landscape style are both acceptable
  • contain the title: Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market — please make sure it’s properly spelled and punctuated!
  • illustrate the theme “community farmers market

The deadline is FridayMay 6. Two winning entries — one from each school — will be selected and announced by Monday, May 9. Students are asked to submit only one (1) entry per individual.

The winning entries will printed as posters and flyers. They will be hung throughout the neighborhood and around Spokane prior to and during the 2016 market season to help promote the market. They will also be posted on the market’s and/or Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood’s blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts.

The two winners and their parent(s) or guardian will be asked to be present at the opening market on Friday, June 10 to be acknowledged in person. They will each receive a similar amount ($15 each) of tokens to be spent at the market.

More info about the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market is available here on this website or on our Facebook page.

Students can check with their school office to see where they should submit your entries.

As always, we look forward to seeing what you create!

Vendors and Activities for October 9

Today we’re super excited to welcome children’s author Katherine Pryor back to the market to read from Zora’s Zucchini, her follow-up to last year’s Sylvia’s Spinach. How many more young veggie skeptics will she turn into die-hard devotees of fresh produce? Katherine will be doing several free readings throughout the duration of the market (3-7pm). School’s out today, so bring your little ones to this fun activity!

Copies of both books will be for sale, with paperback/hardcover prices ranging from $8 to 15. SNAP/EBT families will be able to get a free copy of the book (while supplies last) by showing their card. A big thanks to Catholic Charities Food for All, the Washington State Farmers Market Association and the Washington State Department of Health for providing the support necessary to bring Katherine back to our market.

Lau the classical pianist is returning, too, for his final market appearance of the season. He’ll be performing between Katherine’s readings.

Vladimir is scheduled to return from California this week, and he’ll be bringing persimmons with him. This is typically the only out-of-state produce we allow, but we do so because they’re novel, nutrient-rich, and very tasty in smoothies and jams. R.P. Guerrero will be back this week, too, and rumor has it that he’s bringing his authentic recipe, fresh-made salsa for sale.

Lots of our vendors have been bringing more and more pumpkins and squashes each week. Song Sparrow in particular has a great selection that’s very affordable.

And without further ado, here’s everyone who will be joining us today:

  • Common Crumb Bakery – A range of traditional breads and baked goods
  • Food for All (aka Vinegar Flats) – Locally grown veggies and herbs
  • KC Creations – Beaded lanyards, leashes, earrings, photos and custom cards
  • Morning Sun Bakery – Cinnamon rolls, muffins, cakes
  • Rebekah Mincks – Unique hand-knitted hats
  • Riverfront Farm – Locally grown vegetables from Project Hope Spokane
  • R.P. Guerrero Farms – Organic fruit (pears, apples etc.) and fresh salsas
  • The Scone Ranger – Sweet and savory scones
  • Simply Sweets – Confectionery including baklava and brittles
  • Song Sparrow Farms – Locally grown vegetables
  • Vladimir Kuzmenko – Fruits and vegetables from the Yakima area

We look forward to seeing you at this second-to-last market of the season!

Vendors and Activities for September 25

Today’s free KERNEL kids activity is our last of the season. We’re sad to see it end. Well over 400 kids have taken part in these fun educational games and crafts since this pilot program started 11 weeks ago. This week kids will get the chance to make their own instrument — and perform as part of the KERNEL band! As a matter of fact, they’re going to be our musical entertainment this week.

Many thanks to all our program sponsors (Domaci Property Management, Orange Thyme, Garden UP, ThunderBolt Services, Perennial Property Maintenance) and Catholic Charities for making KERNEL a reality!

Harvest season might be winding down, too, but there’s still lots on offer. Seasonal squash of all types and pumpkins are out in full force. It’s also the start of apple season, and you can find some great early varieties at our fruit vendors’ booths. There are lots of potatoes and plums to be had as well.

Today’s market is smaller than usual (Mama Torrez Salsas, Petunia’s Marketplace and The Scone Ranger all had unanticipated conflicts), but Bellwether Brewing Co. is back with free samples for adults 21+ and growlers of their neighborhood-brewed craft beers. As you can imagine, their booth was awfully popular during Craftwalk last week.

Here are the vendors who are scheduled to be with us today:

  • Awesome Possum – Handmade all-natural lotion bars and lip balms
  • Bellwether Brewing Co. – Locally brewed craft beers
  • Common Crumb Bakery – A range of traditional breads and baked goods
  • Country Buddies – Jams, salsas and more
  • The Farm Yard – Neighborhood-grown veggies, herbs and more
  • Food for All (aka Vinegar Flats) – Locally grown veggies and herbs
  • KC Creations – Beaded lanyards, leashes, earrings, photos and custom cards
  • Mary Beauregard – Plastic canvas needlepoint
  • Morning Sun Bakery – Cinnamon rolls, muffins, cakes
  • Orange Thyme – Natural balms, soaps, perfume oils, body butters and more
  • Riverfront Farm – Locally grown vegetables from Project Hope Spokane
  • R.P. Guerrero Farms – Organic fruit (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples)
  • Rufino Zisumbo – Chair massage
  • Simply Sweets – Confectionery including baklava and brittles
  • Song Sparrow Farms – Locally grown vegetables
  • Vladimir Kuzmenko – Fruits and vegetables from the Yakima area

We look forward to seeing you at market!

Vendors and Activities for Craftwalk, September 18

Well, we’ve arrived at our second annual Craftwalk, and what a day it’s going to be.

First up, we’ve got music by Broken Whistle. Every time they play, it’s a party. Even if you have no interest in our vendors’ fresh produce or unique handmade crafts, you’ll want to come down and see the band perform.

Just in time for the autumnal weather, this week’s free KERNEL activity is all about leaves. In keeping with the spirit of Craftwalk, kids will have a chance to do some leaf tracing and create some art of their own. What’s more, every child who participates gets $2 in Fresh Bucks for spending on fresh fruit and produce.

Spokane Hope Christian Reformed Church—the congregation that shares a building with Knox Presbyterian—is back again this week with their authentic, freshly prepared Korean food. There’s sushi, potstickers, gimbap, bulgogi, and lots more to eat at the market or take home.

And Bellwether Brewing Co. is joining us for the first time! They’re selling growlers of craft beer brewed right here in Emerson-Garfield – and you’ll be lucky enough to sample it before they’ve even opened their new building on North Monroe.

This is the lineup of all our regular vendors who have confirmed they’ll be attending today:

Petunia’s has a range of pasture-raised meat from Ramstead Ranch — just ask at their booth.

In addition to our usual craft booths listed above, here are all the artists and crafters who are scheduled to be joining us for our special Craftwalk event today:

  • Ravenna Designs – Handcrafted jewelry from new and upcycled materials
  • Koko and Lou – Hand-stamped metal and leather jewelry
  • All About That Baby – Handmade baby items including bibs, pocket T-shirts, teethers, twaddlers, quilts and onesies
  • The Hatching Hen – Silicone and wood beaded teething and nursing necklaces. Also suede braided pacifier clips
  • The Coop – Homemade candles, bath salts, body scrubs, mugs and more
  • Nathan O’Brien – Hand-drawn and -painted sketches and graphic art
  • Lisa Waddle Art – Block prints and acrylic paintings
  • Kaila Jones – Dish scrubbers, boot cuffs, reusable diaper wipes, coffee cozies, doll clothes, kids storage benches
  • Kathy Roberg – Tote bags from recycled plastic
  • Lexi Lou Jewels/Staggs & Staggs Sign Co. – Handmade jewelry and signs using upcycled, reclaimed and locally sourced materials
  • Gwen’s Aprons and More – Adult and child aprons, doll clothes, tote bags, dog coats, bibs, Christmas items and much more
  • Therapy Bracelets by Natalie – Handmade therapy magnet bracelets and custom necklaces and matching bracelets
  • D&L’s Handmade Creations – Jewelry, accessories, crocheted items and dream datchers
  • Perfectly Paris Boutique – Parisian-inspired necklaces and bracelets
  • Carol’s Creations – Journals, Christmas ornaments, books
  • made2give – Handmade gifts including aprons for women and children, bibs, baby pajamas, handbags, cards, fire starters and more
  • LC Finds and Designs – Handmade door wreaths for holidays and special occasions plus handmade cards
  • Meema’s Homegrown Creations – Microwave bowl holders and other handmade items
  • Rebekah Mincks – Quirky and custom knitted hats
  • Women’s Hearth – Various crafters with a range of handmade items

Craftwalk runs concurrently with the market, that is, 3-7pm. We hope to see you there!

Vendors and Activities for September 11

Today marks the fifteenth week of the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market — which means there are just five markets left in the season after this Friday (with next week, September 18, being our big annual Craftwalk event). So be sure to make each one before the season passes you by!

This week’s KERNEL activity is hula hooping. Participants will get a lesson on how to make a hula hoop of their own and take part in some fun hoop-related games. You know, for kids. It’s free and it’s for children of all ages.

There’s tons and tons of lovely fall produce starting to appear. Our vendors are happy to give you recipes and cooking tips with some of their more exotic squash. That’s just one of many advantages a farmers market has over a supermarket.

The Scone Ranger is back this week! We forgot to note last week that he was on vacation. Sorry if that left you disappointed and scone-less, but you can sate your craving today.

No matter how much he brings, Fred from Mama Torrez can’t stop selling out of their new hatch pepper salsa. If you haven’t had a chance to try it, we suggest arriving as early as possible to make sure the overwhelming demand hasn’t gotten the better of his supply. And if you missed their debut last week, stop by and stock up on Common Crumb‘s bread. We’re super pleased to have them there.

Cody is today’s musician. He’s a longtime participant with Project Hope Spokane and has been practicing violin for a few years. He’s slowly building a repertoire, and we’re pleased to give him a live platform to do that. Don’t be afraid to say hello and see if he takes requests.

There are still some dump passes for residents of Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood. Each pass equates to a $20 credit at the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Facility, which is a nice bonus when you’re offloading yard, household or garage waste. Claim yours at the market booth.

Here’s everyone who’s scheduled to be with us today:

  • Awesome Possum – Handmade all-natural lotion bars and lip balms
  • Common Crumb Bakery – A range of traditional breads and baked goods
  • Country Buddies – Jams, salsas and more
  • Courtney’s Crafts for Costa Rica – Handmade jewelry, scrapbooks and more
  • The Father’s Table – Neighborhood-grown veggies, herbs and starts
  • Food for All (aka Vinegar Flats) – Locally grown veggies and herbs
  • KC Creations – Beaded lanyards, leashes, earrings, photos and custom cards
  • Mama Torrez Salsas – Authentic salsas, pico de gallo and chips
  • Mary Beauregard – Plastic canvas needlepoint
  • Morning Sun Bakery – Cinnamon rolls, muffins, cakes
  • Orange Thyme – Natural balms, soaps, perfume oils, body butters and more
  • Post Street Plants – Flowers, vegetable plants and off-the-vine produce
  • Riverfront Farm – Locally grown vegetables from Project Hope Spokane
  • R.P. Guerrero Farms – Organic fruit (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples)
  • Rufino Zisumbo – Chair massage
  • The Scone Ranger – Sweet and savory scones
  • Simply Sweets – Confectionery including baklava and brittles
  • Song Sparrow Farms – Locally grown vegetables
  • Vladimir Kuzmenko – Fruits and vegetables from the Yakima area

As a reminder, our market accepts EBT and FMNP (WIC) vouchers. For every $5 EBT clients put on their cards, they get an extra $2 in Fresh Bucks for spending on fresh fruit and produce.

Read down this far? Top marks. In return, we’ll let you in on our trivia challenge: $5 in market tokens to the first person who can name the movie from which the photo accompanying this point was taken. We’ll take your answer (today only) in person at the market info booth.