Vendors and Music for the 2016 Season Opener

Posted on by E-G Market

Well, some rain is falling as this post goes out, but it’s forecast to start trailing off late this morning, leaving the skies partly cloudy (or partly sunny, depending on your point of view) this afternoon for our 2016 season opener.

As this is such a big day for our market, we’re hoping that you greet the clouds as a welcome relief from Spokane’s recent record-breaking heat and join us in a new location with more vendors, more volunteers, more parking, more visibility, more sponsors, more activities and more community partnerships than we’ve ever had before.

Today’s Kids Eating Right – Nutrition and Exercise for Life (KERNEL) activity is companion planting. As part of the activity, kids will get a basil plant to take home. Plus, as always, every youth who participates gets $2 in KERNEL Cash to spend on fresh fruit or vegetables!

This year KERNEL will take place every week of the market under the shade of the metal pavilion at the new site (2310 N Monroe). Bring your family, friends, school classes and other K-6 groups and take advantage of this great free activity each week.

Our musician today is the amazing Todd Milne.

Todd plays electro-acoustic world fusion music using traditional instruments like the shakuhachi (a Japanese bamboo flute) enhanced by a splash of technology. You might have seen him perform at other area farmers markets, where his music makes a great accompaniment to a bit of shopping and socializing. Check out this video of him performing at the Spokane Buddhist Temple in the South Perry District.

At around 3:45pm, we’ll be recognizing the winners of our annual market poster contest, Brynn Hooper and Madison Whitmarsh. These two Garfield Elementary students drew the pictures that we selected to feature on our poster and our handbills. They’ll each get $15 in market tokens for spending.

Now let’s get to all the vendors who are scheduled to join us today:

  • Mama Torrez Salsa: Original family salsa recipes from Mexico and flour tortilla chips
  • Sandi’s Bakery: Fresh-baked pastries, cookies, scones, muffins, breads and cupcakes.
  • SnowBerry Ridge Farm: Raw honey and honey products (e.g., beeswax, lip balm, natural soaps).
  • Song Sparrow Farms: Fresh, locally grown produce, including melons. Also does a CSA.
  • Farm Yard: Neighborhood-grown fruits and vegetables. Some craft items.
  • Sister Bees Kitchen: Handmade, gourmet granola and granola bars.
  • Transitions New Leaf Bakery: Baked goods and fresh produce from their garden.
  • The Scone Ranger: Scones that are so good, so moist, so habit-forming.
  • Simply Sweets: Baklava, soft brittles, truffles, mints and seasonal products
  • Mary Beauregard: Plastic canvas needlepoint.
  • Woodard Family Farms: Locally grown produce.
  • A Simplified Event: Homemade specialty pies, breads, cakes, cottage-style pasties.
  • KC Creations: Original photography, greeting cards, beaded earrings and other beaded items.
  • Seely Teriyaki: BBQ teriyaki chicken, stir-fried noodles and rice.
  • Morning Sun Bakery: Cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, quiche (warm & cold), savory pies (warm).
  • Urban Settlements: Spokane-based real-estate opportunities and guidance.
  • KiYoTees: Recycled jean bags and tie-dyes.
  • Riverfront Farm (Project Hope): Neighborhood-grown, scattered-site produce.
  • Mary’s Tupperware: Tupperware containers for storing vegetables and fruits.
  • CC’s Holistic Gifts & Toast Toppers: Exceptional fruit spreads with no added sugar. Plus aromatherapies and salves.
  • Made with Love: Start-up bakery with fruit pies, artisan bread and more.
  • Black Fire Kettle Corn: Fresh-made delectable kettle corn.
  • Drumheller Heritage Gardens: Neighborhood-grown produce, eggs (quail, chicken). Also info on EF Exchange.
  • R.P. Guerrero: Organic tree fruit from the Wenatchee area.
  • Vladimir Kuzmenko: A wide variety of co-op produce from across Washington State.
  • Sunny Springs Gardens: Berkshire pork sausages and ground pork, plus eggs.
  • Heeling Hands Massage Therapy: Licensed chair massage and whole-body wellness.
  • Soap Simply: Handcrafted olive oil soap.

Plus the Christ Kitchen food truck will be there for freshly prepared meals to take home or eat at the market.

Clouds or no clouds, it’s going to be a big day. We look forward to seeing you there!

Vendors and Activities for October 16: Season Finale!

Posted on by E-G Market

Well, here it is. The final market of the season. It always leaves us a little sad, but beginnings and ends are a necessary part of the seasonal cycle. And few people are more attuned to the seasons than our growers.

In what’s now become a popular tradition, we’ll have a hand-cranked wooden cider press at today’s market. You’re welcome to bring or buy your own apples for pressing — and don’t forget a jug or container of some kind.

Because of the cider press, we’ll also have lots of residual mash. You’re welcome to take this (chickens and compost piles love it), so feel free to show up and haul it away. We’ll also have straw bales left over at the end of market. You can grab them for a couple bucks — they make great Halloween décor for your porch!

For music, we’ve got Bryant McKinley (aka Spokaloo) playing classic pop and rock hits today.

Spokane Hope Christian Reformed Church will be serving their authentic Korean food for eating in or taking home. We’re not sure if they’re continuing after market season, so don’t miss what could be your last chance this year for their bulgogi, potstickers, kimchi fried rice, sushi, and more.

Here are the vendors who’ve said that they’re planning to attend today:

  • Common Crumb Bakery – A range of traditional breads and baked goods
  • Food for All (aka Vinegar Flats) – Locally grown veggies and herbs
  • Mary Beauregard – Plastic canvas needlepoint
  • Morning Sun Bakery – Cinnamon rolls, muffins, cakes
  • Orange Thyme – Natural balms, soaps, perfume oils, body butters and more
  • Rebekah Mincks – Unique hand-knitted hats
  • Riverfront Farm – Locally grown vegetables from Project Hope Spokane
  • R.P. Guerrero Farms – Organic fruit (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples)
  • 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 should also have some dump passes (worth $20 in credit at the Spokane Regional Waste Facility) on hand for Emerson-Garfield residents. Pick them up at the market info booth.

We’re looking forward to you joining us for the last market of 2015!

Vendors and Activities for Craftwalk, September 18

Posted on by E-G Market

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

Posted on by E-G Market

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.

Vendors and Activities for September 4

Posted on by E-G Market

As the market hits its 14th week of the season, we’ve got enough new veggies, vendors and activities to keep things interesting!

Squash is already starting to appear. You’ll find delectable kabocha squash (aka Japanese pumpkin) at Song Sparrow’s booth. Vladimir should still have his amazing yellow watermelon too, but be quick. That harvest season is slowly drawing to a close.

We’re also scheduled to welcome a brand new bread vendor today: Common Crumb Artisan Bakery. Their bread is out of this world. Seriously.

Today marks the second and final week that we’ll be hosting two traveling chefs from Portland, Oregon. They’re on the first leg of a cross-country trip and are serving prepared food at farmers markets along the way. They’ll be making Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean-style hotdogs. Their food got rave reviews last week, so this is your last chance to catch them before they’re off to Missoula! (Uyen and Geneo blogged about their first week on the Spokane farmers market circuit; read it here.)

This Friday our free KERNEL kids activity is … wait for it — make your own potato head! Kids will get to put together potato heads the old school way using real potatoes.

Lau, the classically trained pianist from Denmark, will be back to provide music. He last performed on July 31.

Last but not least, today we’ll have free dump passes worth $20 for Emerson-Garfield residents. Pick them up at the market info booth; please bring ID to verify your address.

Here are all the vendors who are scheduled to join us today. Many of you will be relieved to know that Simply Sweets is back from vacation!

  • 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 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
  • Hierophant Meadery – Mead, honey, kombucha, syrups and more
  • Jenkins Java – Cold- and hot-brewed coffee, Italian sodas and honey
  • 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
  • Petunia’s Marketplace – Flavored honey, candies, gourmet pasta and more
  • 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
  • SouthEAST – Asian-style hotdogs
  • Vladimir Kuzmenko – Fruits and vegetables from the Yakima area

Jenkins Java sells gallons and half-gallons of milk from Spokane’s Family Farm. Petunia’s always carries meat from Ramstead Ranch. Just ask at their booths.