Since 2015, two farmers markets have been running in Kent. Different locations, vendors, and shoppers made the markets distinct, but this year, the Kent Saturday market will combine the best of both. Living Well Kent, the Kent Lions Club, and the City of Kent are collaborating to make the downtown Kent market accessible and exciting for the whole community.

This year, Living Well Kent’s fresh produce will be sold alongside the crafts and food trucks more prevalent at the downtown market. Susie Kiminki of the Kent Lions Club is hoping to have something for everyone with the new diversity of products being offered this year. In addition to vendors, the farmers market will include live music and dance performances sponsored by the Lions Club and Living Well Kent.

The Snoqualmie Valley has hosted a thriving agricultural sector for over 175 years, yet no where in that time has the valley faced the challenges it does now in the 21^st century. Climate change, urbanization, farmer loss, aging infrastructure, and rising costs threaten the longevity of this agricultural legacy.

But Snoqualmie Valley farmers and residents are up to the challenge. Over four years, with over 1700 hours of volunteer work, the Snoqualmie Valley Agricultural Preservation District (SVAPD) Agriculture Task Force created the Snoqualmie Valley Agricultural Strategic Plan (the Plan).

This past Mother’s Day, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) families and supporters raised funds for their schools and Hmong flower farming families. Seattle moms enjoyed locally grown floral bouquets expertly grown and handcrafted by Hmong farmers, who have been an iconic part of King County’s agriculture scene for over three decades.

Friendly Hmong Farms (FHF) organized the SPS Mother’s Day Weekend Fundraiser, brining together Hmong farmers and volunteer to sell over 400 bouquets. Over $10,000 in flower sales were made by local farmers and an additional $8000 raised for the schools.