The opening of Maple Valley Farmers Market was a huge success with over 2000 folks attending the grand opening event on June 20. The market Board of Directors are thankful to the all of the farmers, artisans and crafters and prepared food vendors for participating in and for taking a chance on a new and unproven Saturday market. After all, without their participation, we would not have a Farmers Market in our community.

We are pleased to have created a market place where folks can gather, shop, talk, eat and play. Yet, to bring such a long awaited event to our community, it took many community members involvement and countless number of volunteer hours. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their vision, all of their hard work and their selfless commitment to making this long awaited dream a reality.

I would like to recognize and thank the following for their generous support: Tahoma School District Superintendent Mike Maryanski; Tahoma School District teachers, staff and students; Maple Valley City Council and staff; Kris Hill – The Maple Valley/Covington Reporter newspaper; Washington state Department of Agriculture; King County Health Department; Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety; Maple Valley Farmers Market Community Committee; Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce; Prudential Meridian Real Estate; Wilderness Animal Hospital; Cedar Grove Composting; Johnson’s Do-It Center; Maple Valley Signs; Kinder Swimmer; Maple Valley Creative Arts Council, King County Councilman Reagan Dunn; Roger White and David Moe.

Lastly, I want to thank my Board of Directors for dedicating 11 months out of their lives to bring a new community gathering opportunity to the residents of Maple Valley. The mission of the Board of Directors has always been “to enhance the livability of all of our community members through the establishment of the Maple Valley Farmers Market.” As a community gathering place, the market will become a location to discover all of the uniqueness that a farmers market has to offer. And most importantly, weekly shopping at the market will help financially support and sustain local/regional family farmers, vendors and local business owners.

Based upon the buzz of conversation, bright smiles and bulging market bags, I believe we have succeeded in meeting our mission! The Maple Valley Farmers Market Board of Directors includes Kim Emmons, Debra Meade, Patty Davis, Mary Jane Glaser, Cheryl Castagna, Marie Lindblom, Richard Gradwohl and David Casey.

• It’s the Saturday morning place to be!

July 11 – Oct. 10 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Rock Creek Elementary School

Victoria Laise Jonas

President/Maple Valley Farmers’ Market