It’s that time of the year again.

Bellevue Farmers Market (BFM) held its opening day on May 16 and despite the rain, customers made their way around the market.

“Opening day is going great,” market engagement manager Liz Paruchuru said. “I think people are really enthusiastic. There have been a lot of repeat customers…there already seems to be a rich tradition here. We have a lot of repeat vendors, and we’re slowly trying to enhance it by trying to add new vendors as well.”

Paruchuru said they also take their vendor application process seriously as BFM strives to provide quality products. Customers with food stamps can shop at BFM when they bring their card, Parachurhu said. BFM will also give those customers fresh bucks, which is a program administered by King County that helps customers purchase healthy food by doubling their money for produce.

Seen once again at the market was Growing Washington, a diversified organic farm located in Everson. Growing Washington has been in the markets for about 20 years, according to market manager Lisa Mirkovish.

“It brings the whole process full circle,” Mirkovish said about the market experience. “You work on the farm and it can be very isolating, but you come here and get the chance to see people take home the products that you spent time growing. You get to see the families that are going to eat it…you get to see your end product go out into the hands of the community.”

Mirkovish added that sustainable farms are the future of food for this country. She believes farm foods are not only better for the environment but also for our bodies and for our communities and kids.

“It benefits everyone,” she said. “It helps small businesses stay in business.”

Bellevue Farmers Market opens rain or shine, every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through October.

For more information see, www.bellevuefarmersmarket.org

Radish and other greens for sale at the Foothills Farms table at the Bellevue Farmers Market on May 16. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Kaisa Lemley (left) and Lisa Mirkovish from Growing Washington located in Everson on May 16. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Avery Bridenbaugh, 2, from Issaquah danced to live music at Bellevue Farmers Market opening day on May 16. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Avery Bridenbaugh, 2, from Issaquah danced to live music at Bellevue Farmers Market opening day on May 16. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Customers came to Bellevue Farmers Market opening day despite the rain. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

The Haggis Brother played live music at Bellevue Farmers Market opening day on May 16. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

The Haggis Brother played live music at Bellevue Farmers Market opening day on May 16. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo