Snohomish Farmers Market marks 25th year by encouraging youth to explore what’s available

As the Snohomish Farmers Market celebrates a watershed anniversary, Sarah Dylan is looking for ways to attract young shoppers to help ensure the market’s popularity for years to come.

Dylan, who became manager of the venerable Snohomish Farmers Market about a year ago is developing a program that encourage children to explore the offerings at the market and learn to make healthy dietary choices.

Children starting in June can participate in the “Power of Produce” club will receive a $2 market token they can use to buy food at the market.

“It encourages the relationship with the farmers and youngest people,” Dylan said.

She added a Go Fund Me program raised the $4,000 needed to pay for the tokens.

The Snohomish Farmers Market started in 1991 by market founders Dennis Lebow and Richard Wertz, who owned Last Chance Productions. Market days back then were modest events originating on Avenue A in Snohomish with about 20 vendors plying their wares. Dylan said as commerce at the market improved, organizers at the time had to move the market by the Iron Works building near the Snohomish River.

As the market continued to flourish, organizers about nine years ago moved the market to its current location near the old Carnegie Library. Dylan said at the height of the season, about 60 vendors show up.

“I think we’re still going to hold strong,” Dylan said. The market features farmers, artisans, fresh flowers, prepared food and take-home food. She added that to be titled a farmers market, 55 percent of the sales have to come from the farmers.

Market organizers are partnering with the City of Snohomish to kick off the market season, which starts at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 3.  The mayor will conduct a traditional ribbon cutting at the start of the market.

Dylan said a volunteer is going to explore the market to learn what’s fresh and then create sample recipes based on the best food and produce available.

“We just thought this would be an added value for the market growers and encourage people to shop,” Dylan said about the customized recipes.

With the market season gearing up, people could spend a quiet Thursday afternoon perusing the fresh fruit, browse the hand-crafted jewelry while enjoying some sushi or pizza that is prepared during the market.

The Snohomish Farmers Market takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays starting May 5 and continuing through September.