Both of Kirkland’s farmers markets will busy city parks this summer, as the Juanita Friday Market and the Kirkland Wednesday Market return for another season.
The Wednesday market is set to open its 16th season on June 1 at Marina Park.
The biggest addition from last year: wine.
“Kirkland customers were asking for those types of products, and it’s a great opportunity for farmers and small businesses to bring products to the market,” said Rochelle Nelson Haberl, a Wednesday market manager.
Vendors can only sell unopened products — there’s no wine on tap — but sampling is allowed so customers can taste the product before bringing it home.
So far, the market has three wine vendors, Ellensburg Cannon Winery, Cox Canyon Vineyards and NWCellars, but Nelson Haberl said the market hopes to add additional vendors with local beers and ciders.
Nelson Haberl said the market would have more local hot food than last year.
Kiss My Grits, a southern food truck, will be on hand for the first time, in addition to HP BBQ, another food truck.
Hot Dogs of the World is somewhat self-explanatory, as is Classic Kettle Corn, How Wow Handcrafted Hawaiian Lemonaid and Veraci Pizza. Bahama Mama Island Dream Cuisine brings deserts.
Sublime Corn Company provides shave ice, Asamica provides teas. Afghan Delicious will have a selection of Afghan food, and Falafel Salam, well, falafel.
The Wednesday market includes 15 farmers, offering selection of farm-fresh products, including berries, flowers, vegetables, fruit, jam, corn and honey.
Opening day includes a performance by Kirkland Middle School’s jazz band at 2:30 p.m. and Marilyn and the G Strings at 5 p.m., and there will be giveaways and entertainment throughout the day.
Parking is available on the streets, and at city hall after 5 p.m. The Kirkland Wednesday Market is open between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. every Wednesday until Sept. 28.
The Juanita Friday Market is scheduled to open on June 3 at Juanita Beach Park.
The first day of each month, including June 3, is Kids’ Day, which includes free craft activities and giveaways for kids. Opening day also encompasses the 2016 Blue Fish Festival, a showcase of local teen bands and a teen art show.
The Friday market has 10 farm vendors listed, all returning from last season, as well as a handful of new stalls for food, crafts and other goods.
“We wanted to make sure we added something unique,” said Tina Lathia, who has managed the market for the city of Kirkland since 2010.
The Friday market adds AtPies Inc, which offers 14 sweet and savory pies. Deano’s Grill and Hot Dog World offer the expected fare, and Gugu International offers crepes and pancakes.
Juice Harbor, a vendor offering juices, smoothies, energy bars and wellness shots, is a new addition. The market also adds Samfuego, which sells prickly pear salsa, and the Seattle Barkery which sells dog treats — and coffee for humans.
Cheerful Link, offering greeting cards and framed and unframed prints, is another new addition. The Friday market will also include Afghan Delicious.
There are two performance slots for live music each market day, most of which have been filled.
“We’ve been growing,” said Lathia. “I think the last two years have seen the most growth. This year is looking promising.”
The market on the last Friday of each month has a special event. June 24 is the food truck rodeo, where a handful of new food trucks will be in attendance. June 29 and August 26 are Health Fair days, and Sept. 30, the final market day, will be the Harvest Festival.
The Wednesday market carries seven sponsors, titled by MyIcon. Overlak Hospital, Rain City Maids, Kirkland Kids Dentistry, Aegeis Living, Columbia Athletic Club and Waxing the City are also sponsors of the Wednesday market.
PacMed, Kirkland Kids Dentistry, Lake Washington Toddler Group, Specialty Eyecare Group, Swiss Acupucture and Clear Realty Group sponsor the Friday market.