Camas Farmer’s Market returns May 31 for start of 2023 season

Camas-Washougal folks craving locally grown produce, regional wines, artisan foods and other delicious farmers’ market offerings are in luck — the 16th annual Camas Farmer’s Market is set to kick off its 2023 season at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 31.

Located on Northeast Fourth Avenue between Camas City Hall and the Camas Public Library, the farmer’s market will run from 3 to 7 p.m. each Wednesday, through the end of September.

This year’s market boasts an assortment of about 50 vendors selling everything from certified organic produce from Camas’ Shady Grove Farm and Yacolt Mountain Farm and Nursery to wines from Lane Cellars that highlight grapes grown in eastern Washington and baked goods courtesy of the Camas-based truly scrumptious boutique bakery, the Camas Market & Bakery (formerly Camas Produce) or the Vancouver-based Blue Gem Baking Company.

“We are beyond excited to be opening our 16th season of the Camas Farmer’s Market,” Camas Farmer’s Market President Shannon Van Horn stated in a news release detailing the market’s 2023 season. “Each year it gets better and better and this year looks to be no exception.”

Van Horn said there are more vendors and “a greater variety of offerings” than in years past.

“We look forward to seeing everyone again and being able to provide local, healthy, sustainable food direct from the farmers, as well as hot dinner options, baked goods, fresh flowers, music, kids’ activities, and our SNAP match program will be back again,” Van Horn stated.

Van Horn said the new season also includes new vendors, including Mikenzie Drew, the founder of the Blue Gem Baking Company, who will offer weekly assortments of cookies and cupcakes; mushroom cultivator Rod Seal; and Paul Durazo, a Clark College Culinary School graduate and owner of the Mexican-inspired Razo’s Tacos.

In addition to the great assortment of produce, food and beverage vendors, the Camas Farmer’s Market will also feature live music, weekly educational booths and free activities for children and families.

According to the news release, vendors accept cash and credit cards at their booths, and participating farms will accept WIC and senior benefits cards. SNAP beneficiaries can take advantage of the SNAP Market Match Program, which provides up to $25 worth of match dollars for fresh produce.

Children ages 3 to 11 years of age who complete a free educational activity at the Kids Connection Booth will receive a $2 token for fruit or vegetables of their choice.

The first market of the season, on Wednesday, May 31, will showcase Ripple Wellness Health Fair, featuring an assortment of local health and wellness businesses.

For more information, visit camasfarmersmarket.org or follow the market on Facebook or Instagram. To get up-to-date information about events and vendors from the market, sign up online for the Camas Farmer’s Market newsletter online at lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/9PgT8CP.