Redmond Saturday Market Resumes this Weekend with New Vendors

Several new vendors will be set up to welcome the first crowds of the season to on opening day this Saturday, May 5.

Festivities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor John Marchione and the Redmond High School band at 9 a.m., live music from Swamp Soul from noon to 2 p.m., and day-long presentations from Heart of Dreams Alpacas and the .

Kirkland's two outdoor markets open Friday, May 11 in Juanita and Wednesday, May 16 downtown. So Redmond's earlier opener will give those nearby a jump on the season's first fresh, local produce.

Nicole Package, the market's new director, said one of the biggest changes to this year's rotation will be the addition of a new pizza vendor, Veraci Pizza.

"They have a storefront in Ballard and are very popular," Package wrote in an email to Redmond Patch. "They should draw a crowd."

Additional new vendors will sell pet treats and beds, wood products, bird houses and feeders, purses, glass art, pottery, steel garden art, oil paintings, nursery plants, and cheese and eggs at the market this season, Package said. 

Perhaps the biggest change this year is the introduction of a new market management team. Here is some background information on the new team provided by market organizers:

Nicole Package, market director
This will be Nicole’s fourth year with the market. She began as a hair accessories vendor, moved on to the RSM board, and now is doing much important work behind the scenes. As a part of her new position, she directs market business, coordinates events and entertainment and is responsible for the overall running of the market.

Chelsea Johansen, market coordinator: Chelsea Johansen has been an RSM vendor (baby products) for three years, and has been an active volunteer for just as long! She now plays the vital role of market coordinator, organizing vendor related affairs and managing vendor communication. 

James Ponder, Saturday operations manager: James Ponder, the face you see taking care of all the details come showtime! You've probably seen James at the market these last few years, as he's been an invaluable assistant to the previous market manager before assuming his new position. 

Martha Tyler, volunteer market coordinator: Martha Tyler is a familiar face to most of you! Martha has been an RSM vendor for 20 years (as Gone to Seed), and was the market manager 2009 through 2011. She's now volunteering her time to manage our community and charity booths, along with a zillion other details!

Redmond Saturday Market will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5-Oct. 27 at the corner of Leary Way and Bear Creek Parkway. A calendar of events and vendors' schedule can be found at the market's website, redmondsaturdaymarket.org.

For a photo gallery of last year's opening day, .

---

Full disclosure: Redmond Saturday Market advertises on Redmond Patch.