This July the first-ever farmers market in Lakewood, Wash. kicked-off the summer with fresh, locally grown produce, live entertainment and arts and crafts. One month later, the Lakewood farmers market continues to be a success with happy customers and pleased vendors.

The market began with 24 vendors and an estimated 500 shoppers on opening day, with 14 more vendors asking to join following the high level of community response.

The City of Lakewood spearheaded the pilot project, in partnership with a community leadership team, to develop a greater sense of community and to provide fresh, healthy food choices for local residents.

The farmers market is held every Tuesday throughAugust, from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the City Hall plaza, located at 6000 Main Street SW in Lakewood, Wash.

“The new Farmers Market provides a place in the city center for citizens to meet, greet and buy fresh foods and crafts in a casual and festive environment,” said City Manager Andrew Neiditz.

As a pioneering farmers market in Lakewood, the newest market to South Puget Sound has enhanced the neighborhood feeling as both a place for residents to gather, as well as bringing new visitors into the city. The beautiful landscaping and the large fountain at City Hall plaza creates a festive yet peaceful environment from shoppers and vendors alike. Vendors, shoppers and the local area are thrilled with the introduction of the market as a way to celebrate and highlight Lakewood’s unique characteristics and assets.

Market vendors are selected based on factors like quality, originality, locality and variety of seasonal agriculture products. The farmers market strives for diverse a composition of merchants with 50 percent selling fresh farm products grown or produced in Washingtonstate. 20 percent sell processed/prepared foods that are made from raw products/ingredients, a majority of which are grown and produced by the seller who is personally doing the cooking, canning, baking and preserving. Additionally, 20 percent of vendors sell handcrafted items, and 10 percent of booths fall in the miscellaneous category with new vendors and products to sample each week.

Current vendors include: Country Classics Farm LLC, Peto Garden, Dao Lee, A Girl Who Loves Junk, Lakewood Gallery, Lavendel Bead Creations, LAK Woodworks, Outlook Farms, Simply Delicious Gourmet Dogs, Island Farm Lavender, Tarts Desire Bakery, Yeng Gardens, Sweet Briar Herb Farm, TC This-N-That, Larry’s Wood Products, GN Creations, Tish’s Trinkets and Treasures, Dog Treat Bakery, MiniBreak Massage, Lakewold Gardens, Mary Jane’s Salad Dressing and Breeto’s Shave Ice.

“We are so pleased with the market’s success,” said Neiditz. “The vendors have reported higher than expected sales andare very happy.”

Some vendors have teamed up in new business ventures after the joint success of opening day. A baker from the Lakewood farmers market and Island Farm Lavender collaborated to join their product lines to make and sale lavender shortbread for the market.

The market has become a weekly gathering pointfor shoppers of all ages. Children loved the bouncy house that debuted at the market on July 24, while visitors from the Lakewood Senior Activity Center raved about the color flower boutiques.

“Our members are thrilled about the Tuesday farmers market,” said Senior Center Coordinator Elizabeth Scheid. “It is place to be out in a social setting with fresh, healthy and affordable shopping options that can be purchased in a small quantity.”

With National Farmers Market Week celebrations last week and the ongoing success of the Lakewood farmers market, it is expected to become an annual program for the city during the summer months.