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This overview of the planned layout for the 2015 Liberty Lake Farmers Market shows how vendors will be shifting a bit east to incorporate into the new Town Square Park. For context: The upper portion of the photo shows Meadowwood Lane, and if the photo extended a touch further at the top, it would reveal the Liberty Square Building, which traditionally was the western edge of the market.

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Layout to include park for market's 14th season
4/29/2015 10:07:06 AM

By Valerie Putnam
Splash Contributor

Once again, it's market season. For the 14th time. 

"Fourteenth season," Liberty Lake Farmers Market board member Holli Parker marveled. "Wow, time flies."

That doesn't mean change isn't in the air. While much of what has made the market among the largest and most successful in the region returns, a revised layout to incorporate the city of Liberty Lake's new Town Square Park will greet market-goers on opening day, May 16. 

As will an estimated 25 vendors, with that total growing to as many as 50 vendors every Saturday during the peak of the six-month season. The Liberty Lake Farmers Market will open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 10. 

"We have amazing vendors who are true artists whether they are farmers, crafters or food," Parker said. "We have almost all of our vendors returning from last year. Yes, that does include Lenny and his amazing burritos."

The lineup of vendors provides market-goers the options for fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, crafts and food the community has come to enjoy. In addition to old favorites, nine new vendors are committed to the 2015 season. These vendors include Winter Woods Tea Company, Step on This Stepping Stones and Green Girls Goods soaps and lotions. Tommy G will provide hot espresso coffee and cold drinks along with bubble tea, a Taiwanese tea-based drink containing small balls of tapioca. 

During the hotter summer months, Fannies Ice Pops will offer homemade frozen ice pops to cool off the crowds. 

Parker said the market's board of directors spent the winter drafting plans for the new layout incorporating in the park.  

"The biggest challenge for us was how to keep the essence of the market in this new space," Parker said. "We didn't want to lose that."

Last season, the market began its expansion into the field east of its location, behind CorkHouse Restaurant. Now that the field has been renovated into Liberty Lake's new Town Square Park, the market will continue to use the new space as well as keep part of the market in the original location. 

"We see potential for expansion in the future," Parker said. "It allows us to have some room for our bigger events."

According to Parker, the number of vendors will increase slowly with the expanded site to ensure the integrity of the market as well as adhering to the Washington State Farmers Market vendor guidelines. 

"We are not at a point with the market where we want to add more just because we have the space," Parker said. "We want to make sure we are keeping quality produce and service at the market."

As in previous years, the market plans to have live music every Saturday and a series of one-day events. One such event is the annual Italian day, sponsored by the American Italian Club of Spokane, which will land July 25. The day features cooking demonstrations and entertainment as well as the Tower of Pisa replica available for selfies or group shots.

On Aug. 22, the market hosts Pie Day. "Buy out the Market" is scheduled for the last day of the season on Oct. 10. Parker said they are working on other special days that they plan to announce after the market opens.

Parker estimates the market typically draws 1,500 visitors each week.

"It can more than double on event days and during peak season," Parker said. "We hope everyone comes out to see the new site, eat a great meal, shop for some fantastic produce, and connects with friends and neighbors."

• • • 

Music at the market
The Liberty Lake Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 16 through Oct. 10. The market is located at 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. Live entertainment is planned every Saturday, including:

• Keith Harris: May 16, Aug. 22, Sept. 5, Oct. 10
• Mike Ross: May 23, July 18
• The String Sisters: May 30, Aug. 8
• Greenacres Elementary School's Marimba Ensemble: June 6, Sept. 12 
• Suhanna Cree: June 13, Aug. 1, Sept. 19 
• Ken Davis or In Transit: June 27, Aug. 15, Oct. 3 
• Michael Robinson: July 11, Sept. 26 

For the latest information and schedule updates, go to www.llfarmersmarket.com

• • •

Vendors
Among the crafters, farmers and others planning to set up shop at the 2015 Liberty Lake Farmers Market this season are the following. 

New vendors: Autumn Creek Ranch, Fairfield Green House, Fannie's Ice Pops, Green Girls Goods, KC's Stir Fry Noodle, Peaceful Pastures, Step On This Stepping Stones, Tommy G's Espresso, Winterwoods Tea Company 

Returning vendors: Aichele Farms, Ant'ny's Kickin Good Salsa, Bouzies Bakery, Chattaroy Cheese Company LLC, Cherry Bomb Organic Garlic Farm, City of Liberty Lake, Crepe Cafe, Desserts By Sara, Elithorp Farm, Full Bushel Farm, Gourmet Foragables & More, KC's Fresh Produce, Kia's Flowers and Produce, Leisure Lavender Farm, Lenny's Jalapeno Heaven, Maggie's Garden, Maple K Farms LLC, Nothing Fancy goat's milk soap, Ole World Oils, Ong's Garden, Ormond Valley Apiaries, Pacific Produce, Petit Chat Bakery, Piper Farms, Refreshed Prepared, S & P Homestead Farm, SCRAPS, SideWalk Floral & Produce, Spiceologist, Susie Davids Cattle Company LLC, Tall Grass Farms, Thistledown Wools, Tonnemaker Hill Farm, Trezzi Farm, Twin Springs Farm, Vang Prodce, Veraci Pizza, White Cane Sockeye Salmon, Wild-n-Sweet Rich Honey 


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