The cities of Issaquah and Sammamish offer many similar events. One of those activities is their dueling farmers markets. However, the nice thing about the two markets is that they are not competitive, but rather they complement each other in many ways.
This supportiveness begins with the Sammamish Farmers Market taking place on Wednesdays. Issaquah’s is open Saturdays. This weekday and weekend availability is very important because if you can’t get to one, there is an opportunity to attend and shop at the other.
This year the Sammamish Farmers Market celebrates its ninth year and runs through Sept. 21 from 4-8 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.
On the other hand, the Issaquah Farmers Market celebrates its 26th season and will operate on Saturdays until Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both markets try to operate rain or shine, but will close if the weather is too severe.
Besides farm-fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, each market has an assortment of vendors with a wide variety of available items such as fresh-cut flowers, freshly baked goods and handmade arts and crafts.
Both have activities and entertainment for children including music that the entire family can enjoy. Also many of the vendors are present at both markets, including nonprofits, such as the Masters Gardeners Plant Clinic, that are staffed to answer your garden-related questions. The Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank has a table most weeks at each market where you can donate food items, and recently they began collecting cookbooks for distribution to their patrons.
Other goings-on include, but are not limited to, cooking demonstrations and self-help programs. Be it either dinnertime or lunchtime, many folks attend the farmers markets to purchase a wide variety of prepared food to eat on site or take home.
The Issaquah Farmers Market is located at the historical Pickering Barn with some stores within walking distance, while the Sammamish Farmers Market can be found at the Sammamish Commons, which includes the Library, Community Center and City Hall.
Besides cash, many vendors accept credit cards, and Issaquah has an ATM located inside Pickering barn. The ongoing success of both markets is due in part to the supportive sponsors and dedicated volunteers.
As for special events, Sustainable Sammamish will be held Sept. 14 at the Sammamish Farmers Market, providing the opportunity to learn new and different ideas to living sustainably.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, Issaquah will feature the King County Library System’s Library2Go bus that provides a wide range of library services for those who are unable to visit one of the King County Libraries.
The markets are indeed a place for good vibrations and the opportunity to mingle with other residents of the area who are enjoying similar happenings, whether it be in Sammamish on a Wednesday, or Issaquah on a Saturday.
Details and schedules on these two complementary markets can be found on their respective websites. Hope to see you soon at these two markets!
Sammamish resident Larry Crandall is a retired educator who currently serves on the city’s Planning Commission.
