Yakima farmers market off to a fresh start

YAKIMA, Wash. -- With an Elvis impersonator crooning in the background, customers bought bunches of asparagus and grabbed a Thai lunch at the opening day of the Yakima Farmers Market.

The market, which takes place Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Third Street between Chestnut Street and Yakima Avenue, kicked off its 11th season with light entertainment and a variety of local selections.

The number of produce vendors is expected to pick up later as growing seasons reach their peaks.

Carmen Imperial was selling asparagus and onions at the stand for Imperial's Produce, the family farm in the Lower Valley.

Bok choi and radishes will be available soon.

"It depends on the weather," she said, sounding the refrain of farmers everywhere.

Besides produce, vendors were selling crafts, bread, candles and meat, among other items.

Anyone considering a meat purchase may want to cross the aisle to the stand for Mick's Peppouri, a West Valley company that produces bottled meat glazes.

The glazes are made to add that extra flavor to steaks and other meats.

The temperature scale ranges from mild to super-hot, exemplified by the pure jabañero jelly.

"It's like swimming in a pool of lava," said sales clerk Kerry Duffy.

For those looking for less zing, there's always coffee or onion jelly, with pomegranate coming soon.

Duffy said he enjoys working the market, where the company has operated a stand for most of the past 10 years.

"It's a chance to get outside," he said.

Market manager Don Eastridge said he expects about 120 vendors this year, up from 104 last year. Not all show up at one time, but the growth is enough that Eastridge is arranging to take over a half block of Third Street south of the current location.

"I think it's looking good," he said about the forecast for the success of this year's market.