Press Release: Port Townsend Farmers Market Opens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: May 5, 2007 • 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

CONTACT: Matt Sircely matt at ptfarmersmarket dot org (360) 301-3789


Video: Nick Hill, Market Manager

The Port Townsend Farmers Market opens this weekend in Uptown Port Townsend on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Deputy Mayor Michelle Sandoval will open the market with an official ceremony at 9:30 a.m. At noon, Sandoval will draw upon her Chicana heritage to deliver a brief address in Spanish, invoking the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

On opening day, the market stage will feature folkloric Mexican music by Tres Piedras, a trio of twin fiddles and guitar led by local fiddler Marla Streater. As part of the Cinco de Mayo festival, children will have the chance to swing at a festive pata.

Each week through the season, the farmers market offers a wide spectrum of food, crafts, art and music together with an opportunity to personally connect with the local sustainable growers who are sowing the future of Jefferson County. In the last few years, the Port Townsend Farmers Market has grown into a full scale community celebration, with more than a thousand people attending each week.

Perennial changes at the farmers market always present a few surprises. This year, new vendor highlights include the return to the market of Frog Hill Farm. A long-standing anchor of the local food network, Frog Hill's cooperative team of seasoned growers will fill another booth with glorious, healthy produce.

Also among the new arrivals, Randy and Anne Unbedacht of The Spot Restaurant will serve seafood gumbo, caesar salad, soups, pestos and salsas alongside their signature "SPOTKETS" tasty pastry pies stuffed with seafood, meats or vegetables. Janice Speck of Janice Designs will furnish her bracelets, necklaces, scarves, and hats using locally processed wool and her palette of vibrant colors.

Former Old Tarboo farmer Emily Truitt will introduce her new Tarboo Valley Pasta, made with local eggs. Also for the first time, the Silverwater Cafe will offer its spice collection, including the renowned Silverwater Secret Spice. Dottie Holland and her young daughter Maddie will carry a combination of farm-oriented artwork, vegetables and even homemade animal treats. They will be accompanied by Maddie's miniature horse Willie certain to be popular among the market-going children.

In all, more than sixty vendors, including twenty-one growers and wildcrafters, will attend the community celebration on opening day. Vendor attendance will continue to grow during the first few weeks.

The Port Townsend Farmers Market is located uptown on Tyler Street at Lawrence. Wednesday markets begin on June 13th. For more information, call the market office at 379-9098 or visit www.ptfarmersmarket.org.