It’s Kids Day at the Maple Valley Farmers Market this Saturday, July 24. While there is always a multitude of events and sights to entertain children at the Market, this Saturday promises them some special treats. Kinder Swimmer, a local business owned by Leonna Day and Carrie McCarthy will highlight water safety for all ages. Kinderswimmer’s popular balloon octopus will be on hand, and the business will hold a drawing for a month of free swimming lessons. In addition, Kinderswimmer will host a puppet play at 10 a.m., 11 and noon featuring “Kosmo the Safety Dolphin.”
To add to the fun, master instructor John Robinson of Pacific Martial Arts Academy a 5th degree Black Belt,will lead students through a structured curriculum of self defense, kata and sparring and application beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the blacktop in front of the entertainment booth. Robinson practices Ryukyu Kempo, a traditional Okinawan Martial Art with emphasis on life-protection techniques. Ryukyu Kempo encompasses martial arts before the transition into what most people know as modern karate. Robinson began training in the Martial Arts in 1983 at age 10. During the past 25 years he has studied and competed in several styles including: isshinryu karate, tae kwon do, hapkido, American kickboxing, enshin karate, and ryukyu kempo. Pacific Martial Arts Academy offers a variety of classes at the Lake Wilderness Lodge.
Young visitors will also be delighted to see Karen Haines from Illustriddler, Inc. a talented local face painter and market sponsor, who will make a return guest appearance to the market to work her creative magic on small faces. In addition, Girl Scout Troop 41434, South County Cats, the Maple Valley MOMS, and the Maple Valley/Covington Area MOMS will all host entertaining, interactive booths.
This week’s musical entertainment will be provided by Denim and Diamonds, a Black Diamond band specializing in country rock and classic rock. Their melodious sounds can be enjoyed beginning at 11:15 a.m.
Once the kids have enjoyed their special events, they can join their parents and other visitors roaming from stall to stall, enjoying the sights and sounds and smells of Maple Valley’s second-season farmers market. They can check out the fresh, local produce; try some of the prepared foods; examine the artwork and crafts; smell the fresh flower bouquets and plants, and the organic tea that help them to grow; sniff the lavender; eye the bakery products; sample some locally-gathered honey and try a taste of fresh, local cheese. A visit to the Maple Valley Farmers Market will give children a greater awareness of the importance of local farmers, the superior flavor of local produce, and an understanding of where food actually originates – all in a festive setting with entertaining music and events just for them. The Market is open on 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Rock Creek Elementary.
