Like the fruits and vegetables it sells, the Sammamish Farmers Market needed a little time to grow.

Given good conditions over the past few years, the fertile soil of Sammamish City Hall and the nurturing of a few committed locals, this year the market is beginning to bud, to grow and to blossom.

Leading a concerted effort to build the market, which will begin its third year on Wednesday, May 19, Sammamish resident Juliana Pash has joined Market Manager Deb Sogge on the market’s small organizing team.

Pash was involved with the market over the past two years, as a volunteer. But this year she has taken on a more active role, and has already been successful in attracting new vendors.

“We have recruited 12 new farmers, including four certified organic producers from the region,” Pash told a meeting of the Sammamish City Council last week.

In addition, the 2010 market will feature two cheese vendors, a local vintner, pork, eggs, baked-goods, grass-fed beef, and flowers, as well as children’s events, chef demonstrations, and live entertainment.

While locals are encouraged to walk or ride to the market, parking is available at Sammamish City Hall, and Mary Queen of Peace Church. A special short term parking area is set up at the market for those wishing to stay 30 minutes or less.

No dogs are allowed into the market.

This market will run from 4 – 8 p.m. each Wednesday through Sept. 29.

The Sammamish City Council has changed its council office hour, an opportunity for residents to discuss issues of concern with their councilors, to coincide with the market. City Council office hours will be held 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

For more information about the Sammamish Farmers Market, visit www.sammamishfarmersmarket.org. or call Juliana Pash at 425-681-4255.