Camas Farmer’s Market Kicks Off Season 17 on June 5

Camas, WA — The 17^th season of the Camas Farmer’s Market begins on Wednesday, June 5^th in Downtown Camas. All are invited to celebrate at the official ribbon cutting with Camas Mayor Steve Hogan and founding Board President Shannon Van Horn at 3pm. The 2024 season will bring back fan favorite farmers, artisan food producers, and prepared food vendors, as well as offer free activities for kids, live music, and abundant opportunities for community connection and healthy living education. Opening day will also feature many health and wellness businesses at the Ripple Wellness Health Fair. The market runs each Wednesday, 3 pm-7 pm, from June 5^th through October 2^nd. Shoppers can find the market at 625 NE 4^th Ave, in front of the Camas Public Library.

The market will feature over 50 unique vendors over the course of the 18-week season and highlights the wide variety of foods being grown and produced within the community. Shoppers will find sustainably harvested farm-to-table produce, flowers, berries, and honey, in addition to hand crafted foods including artisanal breads and treats, locally made wines and vinegars, hot sauces, beef jerky, and probiotic beverages. The selection of prepared food available at the market offers something for every taste, including Greek, Hawaiian, new American, Mexican, Italian, and Columbian. Vendors accept cash and credit cards at their booths and participating farms also accept WIC/Senior benefits cards. SNAP beneficiaries can start their shopping trip at the Information booth at the corner of 4^th and Everett, to take advantage of the SNAP Market Match Program, where they can receive up to $25 additional match dollars for fresh market produce.

The market will host two new events in 2024. The community is invited to connect with local aid organizations on June 26^th from 3 pm-7 pm at the Community Food & Resource Fair within the market. Anyone interested in finding new and interesting local volunteer opportunities will enjoy the Volunteer Fair on August 21^st from 3 pm-7 pm. These events are in addition to the longtime favorite market events including Berry Days on July 10^th, Veggie Fest & Veggie Derby on August 7^th, and the Harvest Festival on October 2^nd. For details about all the events at the Camas Farmer’s Market, visit the market Event Calendar.

Many beloved Camas Farmer’s Market vendors will return. Yacolt Farm and Nursery will be back for their eleventh year, with their fruits and vegetables produced with the aid of draft horsepower, in lieu of modern farming equipment.  Grass fed beef and pork ranchers Windy River Livestock will once again offer cuts by the pound, and in special package pricing. Family-run Melted Crumbs will return with their popular menu of handmade Columbian empanadas and lemonades made with local fruit.

This season will also bring many new vendors to the market. Mark Simpson from Wind Acres will share his love of superfoods, and selling his curated selection of microgreens, mushrooms, and heirloom tomatoes. Artisan bread lovers can take home a handmade loaf from Bakehouse Sourdough, owned by small batch baker Kendra Hofseth. Dining options in the market continue to expand, with the addition of Husubis’ Poke Shop. Founder Kim Ngyuen is looking forward to bringing a taste of Hawaii with a touch of PNW to Camas Farmer’s Market Shoppers.

Visitors are encouraged to shop, dine, and connect with their community in the market.  Live music performed by local talent is scheduled each week from 5 pm-7 pm. Kids ages 3-11 can complete a fun educational activity at the Kids Connection Booth and receive a free $2 token good for fruits and veggies from their choice of farm vendors. Community partners will offer different engagement opportunities each week including health screenings, community garden tours, and chef demos.

“We are incredibly excited to be opening our 17th season of the Camas Farmer’s Market!” says Camas Farmer’s Market President Shannon Van Horn. “Each year it continues to get better and better and this year will continue with that trend.  We will be welcoming back many long-time favorites and sure to be new favorites.  We look forward to seeing everyone again and feel lucky to be able to provide local, healthy, sustainable food directly from the farmers, as well as hot dinner options, baked goods, fresh flowers, music, kid’s activities, and our SNAP match program will be back again.  See you on June 5th!”

The Camas Farmer’s Market is generously supported by a grant from the Camas Washougal Community Chest and sponsorships by Title Sponsor Providence Health and Services, Kids Connection Sponsor IQ Credit Union, Partner Sponsors Leaf Guard, Premium Websites, Riverview Bank, the City of Camas, the Downtown Camas Association, Tranquil Tabby Mobil Vet and Washougal Times, and Community Sponsors Blossom Natural Health and Wellness, Fuel Medical, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, Ripple Wellness, and Washougal Sport and Spine.

The Camas Farmer’s Market is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides local and sustainable foods to the community of Camas and beyond. For more information, visit camasfarmersmarket.org and follow the market on Facebook or Instagram. Get up to date information about events and vendors from the Camas Farmer’s Market newsletter, click here to sign up.