The Steilacoom Farmers Market opens its first market season at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Read my story here for background on the market.

Kelly Barkhurst, volunteer market manager, said the market will launch its first season nearly at vendor capacity. She and vendor coordinator Voraya Srisamang have booked 43 vendors. The site of the farmers market – the tennis courts at Lafayette and Wilkes –only has room for 50.

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The focus is on farmers at the Steilacoom market. At least half of the Steilacoom market’s vendors will be farmers selling produce or things that are grown or raised in Washington state. The rest of the vendors are artisans or vendors selling ready-made items.

For the first year, there will be no food vendors selling ready-to-eat food – the paperwork process with the health department proved too laborious. But Barkhurst said next year’s market may have ready-to-eat food. For now, there will be vendors selling popcorn and candy for those looking for something to snack.

A look at a few of the vendors:

Blue Rose Dairy: This Winlock farm will sell goat cheese at the market. They also sell their cheeses at the Proctor, Sixth Avenue and Broadway Tacoma farmers markets and the Puyallup farmers market.

Quil Bay Oysters: This Quilcene-based oyster purveyor will sell QuilBay select oysters. They also sell at several South Sound farmers markets, including Gig Harbor.

Taste of Eden: A bread company that also sells its baked goods at the Puyallup Farmers Market.

Other things of interest at the Steilacoom market: Kiwanis will operate a booth with activities for kids. Also, a concert by the Military Band will be held at neighboring Pioneer Park.

Details:

Steilacoom Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays, June 24-Aug. 19, 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: The intersection of Lafayette and Wilkes
Market information: 253-229-5175 or kellybarkhurst@yahoo.com