The Washington Farmers Market is on West Maint between Elm and Cedar Streets.
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Washington Farmers' Market Opens Saturday
By Susan Miller, Missourian Staff Writer
04/15/2008
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It's market time.
The Washington Farmers' Market opens for its 19th season this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In May, Wednesday hours will be added from 3 to 6 p.m. The market will offer fresh, locally grown produce, handcrafted items, eggs, baked goods, including bread, cinnamon buns, jellies and jams, herbs, cut flowers, bedding plants, annuals and perennials.
The vendors are from Franklin and adjoining counties. This will be the market's first full year under a new, permanent facility on West Main Street.
The former Politte/Thayer building next to the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce on Main Street was renovated for the permanent market. The 1850s building has been tuckpointed, painted and completely transformed inside and out.
"We encourage everyone to come and check us out," said Carol Brunner of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, which manages the market.
"We've sold 20 permits so far which is very good," she said. "I don't know how many vendors will be there opening day because it depends on what they sell."
Brunner said produce may be a little lean right now due to all of the rain, but she expects vendors selling breads, jellies, crafts and bedding plants to be open for business Saturday morning.
"We're really looking forward to getting the market up and running," she said. "It's always a great place to see old friends and make some new ones."
Due to vendors' requests, the market is opening earlier this year.
Brunner said there is a lot of excitement about the new facility which features a large canopy offering shade and public restrooms.
The market will remain open on Saturdays through December and Wednesdays through October.
To keep the public informed, the Chamber plans to add a splash page on the Farmers' Market to its Web site.
"This way we can let people know what produce will be available. We also want to feature a recipe on the veggie or fruit that's in season," Brunner said.
Also new this year will be musical entertainment.
"A local violin teacher has asked if her students could play and we're working on setting that up now," said Brunner.
The market has a total of 23 vendor spaces, but Brunner said any overflow can be accommodated on the adjacent parking lot at Main and Elm streets.
Brunner said shoppers are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.
For vendor or shopper information, people may call the Chamber of Commerce office at 636-239-2715, extension 100.