With opening day of the fifth season of the Maple Valley Farmers Market less than two months away, planning for this year has kicked into high gear.

Victoria Laise Jonas, market manager and one of the founders of the venture, wrote in an email interview that past farmers and vendors have submitted applications already. She wrote she expects to see many more during the next two months. Jonas added that she will be out in the community recruiting potential vendors as market coordinators are always looking to add to the lineup.

Patrons can expect some changes this season, Jonas wrote, including an extension of hours the market is open. This year the Maple Valley Farmers Market, which is open every Saturday at Rock Creek Elementary from June 15 to Oct. 5, will operate an hour longer than in previous years, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 2 p.m.

“We heard from our customers and vendors that they would like the market to be open one additional hour, so this year we are a five hour market,” Jonas wrote. “I have already received a number of positive comments about extending our hours — I am confident it will be a win-win situation for everyone involved in our market operations and our customers!”

There will also be some new faces at the market this year, Jonas explained, but there will be many returning vendors as well. Jonas wrote that some vendors have let her know they’ve retired from selling at farmers markets altogether or are selling online exclusively but there will be some new farmers and processors and maybe some new prepared food vendors.

Patrons of the market may find a MVFM Tasting Booth, Jonas wrote, where they can sample produce donated by a specific vendor.

“When I attended the Washington State Farmers’ Market Association Annual Market Manager’s Conference earlier this year, I learned about the benefits of offering free samples to folks,” Jonas wrote. “Who doesn’t enjoy free samples. To make this opportunity a reality we are now seeking volunteers to staff this booth.”

Jonas noted that upon reflection on the 2012 season, despite the MVFM being a newer market in the region, it went well.

“Every year of our market season is getting better and last year, we did have an amazingly successful season,” Jonas wrote. “We are successful because of our vendors, customers, volunteers, sponsors and overall community interest and support.”

There were more than 80 vendors who participated in the previous market season, Jonas wrote, who sold farm grown produce, flowers, dairy products, meats, honey, jam, oil, pasta and food as well as a variety of merchandise offered by crafters and artisans. It’s important to note, Jonas wrote, that because MVFM is a member of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, products sold at the Maple Valley market are grown or processed in Washington state. Sales of these products account for more than 50 percent of sales at the market.

During the weeks leading up to the opening day of the market season, Jonas wrote, “we continue to work diligently to recruit new vendors to our market, especially crafters (and) artisans.”

Crafters and artisans are limited to 25 percent of the market booths, so about 10 vendors out of the 40 stalls. Because these vendors typically do not sell the entire market season, Jonas wrote, market organizers are looking for crafters and artisans throughout the season.

Jonas wrote that market organizers are also on the lookout for more volunteers and sponsors. She added that the market board of directors are thankful for the support from community business owners who sponsor the market, with some who have been on board since the first season in 2009.

“We are dedicated to supporting and preserving Washington’s farmland and the sustainability of our local family farmers,” Jonas wrote. “Our sponsors’ tax deductible donation helps the Maple Valley Farmers Market continue to grow and serve our farmers and community. We are also registered with the Washington Secretary of State Charitable Solicitations Program.”

Jonas wrote that as the details for this season are finalized, the MVFM volunteers who run it are “truly astonished this is our fifth year of being a farmers market!”

“It’s hard to believe that our Maple Valley Farmers Market was established in the Spring of 2008 when a group of community leaders banded together and began to dream collectively of a farmers market becoming a reality in Maple Valley. And I am proud to say that most of the community leaders who served on the steering committee are still an integral part of the success of our Farmers Market.”

For more information find the market on Facebook, Twitter or online at www.maplevalleyfarmersmarket.org, call 425-453-6751 or send email to info@maplevalleyfarmersmarket.org.