Seems to me, despite some initial skepticism, that the Meridian Park location has been a good fit for the market, as the park provides more space for more vendors, and serves as a destination for shoppers, picnickers, and families alike. In fact, the new location was one of the reasons why Washington State Farmers Market Association named Wallingford the 2012 Farmers Market of the Year. More from the Wallingford Farmers Market blog:
Wallingford Farmers Market exemplifies a farmers market that is both of the farmers and the community, and its recent move to a new park location proved it. Since its inception in 2006, this market has always enjoyed strong support from its neighborhood, but it was not until it was forced to move from its location in the heart of Wallingford’s commercial district, at the end of the 2010 market season, that the depth of the connection between this market, its vendors and its community truly shown through.
A few new vendors are coming to the market this year, including Twin Oaks Creamery, Rosecrest Farms (mmmm, Swiss Cheese!) and Soda Jerk Soda Company (featuring growlers of fresh soda made with local ingredients). Also Seattle Tilth Youth Garden Works will be selling produce at the market. The program provides job training for homeless and underserved youth to grow, harvest and sell produce at local markets.
The schedule for this year’s Chef Demonstrations follows. All cooking demonstrations are scheduled for 4-5 p.m., during the market on Wednesdays. Check back with the Wallingford Farmers Market blog for updates.
2013 Season Cooking Demonstration Schedule
(schedule subject to change)
May 29
Chef Jason Brzozowy
Tilth
June 5
TBA
June 12
Chef Colin Patterson
Sutra
June 19
No Demonstration
June 26
Chef Immoor
Phinney Market
July 3
TBA
July 10
No Demonstration
July 17
TBA
July 31
TBA
August 7
TBA
August 14
TBA
August 21
Chef Devra Gartenstein
Patty Pan Grill
August 28
TBA
September 4
TBA
September 11
Chef Brian Gojdics
Tutta Bella
September 18
TBA
September 25
Chef Rachel Yang
Joule/Revel
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I like the vibe and variety of the new spot, but not the distance from my house or the parking scenario. So, I’ve been only four times since it moved — and couldn’t find parking *anywhere* nearby twice, so went home with empty bags.
In the old location, I went every week because I could walk there after work before everyone packed up. These days, I’m glad for the extra “community oomph” the extra space allows, yet still wish it could have somehow stayed on “this side” of 45th.
1) There’s technically more parking around the current site than was ever possible at the old site. Perhaps you’ve just been unlucky as I’ve seen people pulling into spaces within two blocks of the park every time I’ve gone. You may not be able to park right near the entrance but that was rarely an achievable goal before the move.
2) With the entrance on Meridian right by 48th, it’s only a few blocks away from the previous site. If it’s really that bad for you, take the 16 from/to Wallingford Center & then you’ll have the same distance walk as before.
I think one of the biggest concerns was if there would be problems during bad weather, but even after some rain, the park has still been a great spot. The best part is how the market has been able to expand or contract depending on the number of vendors. It may never be as large as the U District or Ballard farmers markets, but the space is available if the vendors can be coaxed into it.
I have never had a problem getting Doris Day parking at the new location. My theory is that people assume there won’t be any parking right outside the entrance so they don’t even look there. I usually go between 5 and 6 PM.
Could you put this on the community calendar? It goes 3:30 to 7pm on those days.
Added to the calendar.
Yippeeee! Our family LOVES the Farmer’s Market and have been looking forward to it starting again since the last one last fall.
It was a great market yesterday. I love the grapefruit tarragon soda from the new vendor Soda Jerk.