Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Socializing in demand at market

Fresh-cut bouquets, handmade crafts, a variety of herbs and a plethora of plants greeted more than a hundred visitors Saturday at the Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market.

The bouquets, abundant with purplish phlox and multicolored lupine, were selling out. A variety of herbs and vegetable plants were flying off the racks, and customers browsed over crafts, including unusual items such as a water fountain made from a wine bottle.

It was the third Saturday that the market has been open, but the first that has been accompanied by warm weather and sunny skies.

“It’s time,” said Debbie Nania, a Liberty Lake resident, about her decision to go to the market.

Nania came to the market with her friend, Shelley Hepler, who said being there was as much about socializing as it was shopping.

“We come to see our friends and neighbors,” Hepler said.

Hugs were common as the two women encountered several people they knew.

Others attending the market hollered to friends as they lingered at one of the tables while eating freshly made crepes or a Mexican food dish offered by the two food vendors.

Two guitar players’ strumming filled in the gaps between conversations.

Lance Mears, who helps his wife, Patricia Mattson, at her business – The Herb Garden – said that what makes Liberty Lake’s market special is that it’s set in the community, and it’s supported by the people who live there.

“You see the same people every week,” he said.

Moms with babies in strollers, husbands and wives, and teenagers with their parents meandered through the market.

They loaded up on items from the nearly 25 vendors who were at the Saturday-only market to display and sell their products.

Few farmers were present, because it’s too early in the growing season.

Marlene Gunning and her friend, Vicki Ludecke, said that other than seeing their friends, the produce is why they like to go to the market.

The two women said they prefer to buy their weekly supply of fruits and vegetables from local farmers rather than at a grocery store.

“The farmers should be here in full force by the middle of June,” said Holli Parker, who runs the Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market. “We have phenomenal farmers who bring the best stuff.”

This is the fourth year for the market, and it’s expected to be the biggest one so far, Parker said.

The market offers “good food, good company and good product,” Parker said. “Come hang out with your family, and have a good morning.”