Opening Day at the Lake City Farmers' Market

Yesterday was opening day at the Lake City Farmers' Market, and its first day at a new, permanent location. It's now being held in Albert Davis Park, north of NE 125th St, between 26th and 27th Ave. NE.

The new location is a big deal, because this is the first Seattle market to secure a long term spot. The other markets have to renegotiate their right to use their sites year by year.

To commemorate the occasion, the mayor made an appearance. It's the third time I've seen him at a market during the past few months, and he really does seem sincere about building a partnership between the market organizations and the city.

The market's layout was a bit strange, and I was concerned about the loading and unloading situation, which has half of the vendors (including myself) hauling our stuff on carts through a narrow service lane. That part actually went unbelievably smoothly. The layout has a number of vendors on the street, which is closed to vehicle traffic, and the rest of us in the park. I didn't think the connection between the two sets of booths was quite clear enough, but people seemed to find their way.

It was a cold, showery day. I think it's all going to be really lovely once the sun comes out and the grassy part of the park is full of people enjoying the day and, of course, eating. We're also right in front of the community center and the library, which has great bathrooms.