YAKIMA, Wash.- The Downtown Yakima Farmers Market is starting its 2024 season with fresh produce, baked goods and other specialty items from vendors across the region.
It’s the 25th season of the market, and first with new Market Manager, Susana Wilcox at the helm.
“Just seeing all the people that come in and all the vendors are all amazing,” says Wilcox. “My first day has been awesome.”
Wilcox says around 60 vendors were on hand for opening day, with more on the way later this season.
“We are trying to extend the market area over in the grass area,” says the manager. “Eventually, we’ll be able to extend it out about 100 feet.”
The new vendors are showing out to the market, creating the need for more space.
Among the new vendors are Panarello’s Italian Biscotti. A family business is selling their great grandmother’s recipe for Biscottis and vanilla spiced walnuts.
“I’m excited to be here,” says Anthony Panarello. “I’ve been making biscotti for a few years, and we just got into it, so I’m really excited.”
Panarello says their first day at the market was a lot of fun, but what mattered most was keeping his great grandmother’s recipe alive.
“She came over from Italy and we got this recipe from her,” says Panarello. “So, I’m really excited to be able to make it and share it with people.”
This year’s market features other vendors appearing for the first time, but Wilcox is also putting in a focus on Kids’ Days.
On the last Sunday of every month, the focus will be on the little ones featuring face painting, local authors and free books.
“As a parent, I want my kids to be involved in different activities,” says Wilcox “I’m really going to focus on bringing more activities for kids, kid related, family friendly.”
The market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until the end of season on October 20.
