More Farmers Markets Making It Easier Than Ever to “Buy Local”

With the abundance of rain and lack of sunshine this year, it’s been somewhat of a difficult growing season for our blessed farmers. Some have had to replant from their seeds being washed away, others are dealing with trees full of split cherries from all the drizzle. Now more than ever, they need our support.

Luckily for us, farmers markets have sprung up everywhere in the past few years, making it easier than ever to buy local and bring the fresh and healthy produce that has made it to market, and other homespun goods, home to our tables.

*(Many markets accept WIC coupons, EBT vouchers, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition vouchers. Call or visit their website for more info.)

Airway Heights – Although this “unique little market” has struggled a bit, the five to seven regular vendors that set up here are committed to feeding this community. Open Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the market features fresh Hutterian baked goods, fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers, and offers free children’s activities. Located at 14100 W. 14th Ave., near Curves. (509) 979-1051

Cheney – Just 20 minutes from downtown, Cheney takes “Top Banana” for being the most available market as they’ve added yet a third day to their weekly schedule. The Market is now open on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. as well as Fridays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides a variety of regional products, including eggs, sausage, fresh baked pastries, local artistry and hand crafted goods, and features live music. Located at First Street and College Avenue, in Cheney. (509) 235-7320 http://downtowncheney.org/

Kootenai County – Celebrating its 25th year, the Kootenai Market is a hive of community activity every Wednesday, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on the corner of Prairie Ave & Hwy 95 in Hayden, Idaho, and every Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. Don’t miss their big event in August—“The Feast with the Farmers,” where an entire meal is prepared with market products and served under the trees. Tickets are limited, starting in July. Featuring 50+ vendors and music, it’s not unusual for 2,500 people to visit the market on a mid-summer Saturday! (208) 772.2290 http://www.kootenaicountyfarmersmarket.com/

Lake Spokane – Even though they just opened Saturday, June 19th, this little market is no late bloomer. With an average of 8-12 vendors on site, the market is in its third year, featuring vendors offering garden art, fruit & veggies, soap and jewelry, just to name a few. As well, live music and kids activities are planned throughout the summer. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the market is located just off HWY 291 next to Suncrest Rental. (will be closed July 4th weekend) (509)467.5819

Liberty Lake –We love our farmers markets and it’s showing! Liberty Lake saw an 8% increase in sales last year with a total seasonal attendance of 31,000 to their market! In its 10th year, Liberty Lake offers fresh cut flowers, vegetable plant starts, pottery, artisan breads and the usual variety of ready-to-eat food including burritos and pizza. Open every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Liberty Square Building parking lot, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. (509) 879-4965 http://www.spokanemarkets.org/

Millwood – With the strongest line-up of farmers so far, this market is thriving in its fourth year, located just off Argonne, at Euclid and Marguerite, in the Millwood Presbyterian parking lot. Every Wednesday, from 3 to 7 p.m., expect to see up to 30 vendors offering everything from honey to huckleberries, salsa to sausage, as well as the usual array of fresh fruits and vegetables, and booths featuring jewelry, soaps and handcrafted wool yarns. New this year, is the Pumpkin Patch blend of coffee, roasted by Roast House Coffee, who are generously donating a portion of proceeds to the new Pumpkin Patch Community Garden. (509) 924-2350 http://millwoodpc.org/Mission/FarmersMarket/tabid/1879/Default.aspx

Montfort School – Fresh Salmon isn’t very common to markets in our area but Montfort’s got it! In its second year, other than Liberty Lake, Montfort is the only other market to offer fresh fish. Located at a 100 year-old one-room school house five miles north of Wandermere, the market is open Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. Just one mile off Highway 395 at 1915 W. Monroe Road, (509) 979-1051

Rathdrum – In its second year, this market boasts 40+ vendors selling “homemade, homespun, or homegrown” wares to eager shoppers. Open the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market easily takes over Rathdrum City Park just off Highway 53. (208) 687-3293

South Perry – With a great new location at The Shop coffee house, this market is nestled right in the heart of the quaint South Perry neighborhood, on the South Hill’s lower east side. Featuring 15 to 20 vendors, you can be sure to find a wide variety of offerings including seasonal produce, artisan breads and pastries, free-range beef, eggs, bedding plants, wood-fired pizza, soaps and more. Stop by every Thursday, from 3 to 7 p.m. for some mingling, shopping and live music! (509) 607.2456

Spokane Farmers Market – So much to celebrate at our beloved downtown market, starting with their new “green” location, below Sacred Heart at 10 W. 5th Avenue (between Division and Browne). Now not only are they off the asphalt and onto the grass, but there’s more space for vendors and more parking, which has all added up “a tremendous new turnout” from the community! New items offered this year include coffee, served up fresh by local roaster, Waverly’s and wine, presented by Taber Farms. Look for Chef Demos throughout the season as well as live music every Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (509) 995.0182 http://www.spokanefarmersmarket.org/

Spokane Northside - Spokane’s newest centrally located market was obviously long overdue as the crowds have been coming non-stop since they opened in May. One of the great perks for this market is the expanse of adjacent parking which also translates to easy access for the elderly. Located at 315 E. Francis Ave., just east of Division at Lidgerwood, the market is open Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Vendors goods are all grown or produced in Washington and include baked goods and jams, gluten-free bread and cookies, honey, lotions, beeswax candles, Dahlia flower bouquets, fresh produce and more. (509) 979-1051