Washington Farmers Market returns May 16

WASHINGTON — Organizers say the Washington Farmers Market will begin May 16, kicking off months of Thursday night festivities downtown.

The event will see a few changes this year, according to coordinator Kathy Salazar, who briefed Washington City Council members on the plans ahead of their approval from the city.

For one, food trucks at the farmers market will line the north and west side of the square, rather than the north and east side.

For another, the evenings will feature more live music. Salazar said the market would keep hosting performances later in the year, rather than winding shows down at the end of the Washington Municipal Band’s season.

“After school begins in the fall, the band doesn’t really have enough members to perform,” Salazar said. “Without the live music, people just leave, they don’t stick around and socialize … so we’re going to try to provide some more music.”

The market will open for vendor setups at 3 p.m., begin sales at 5 p.m., close at 7:30 p.m., and continue every Thursday through Oct. 10, according to Salazar.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com