The community’s weekly summer Farmers Market returns this Saturday, May 3 to Eastsound Village Green. “We’ll be back with our awesome farmers, food producers, flower growers, fine artisans and on-the-spot delicious, prepared food,” says Julie Miller, Farmers Market manager for the past seven years. “This year we’ll have the addition of six new vendors and Salmonberry School. We will showcase more local musicians this season and childrens’ story-telling hour will continue as a priority.”

Miller also announced that she will be passing on the job as Manager to Melloni Bertoletto, “who is enthusiastically looking forward to being a part of the festivities.”

Miller also asked that, for reasons of liability, that people abide by the “no-doggie ordinance” at the Market. “So your doggies need to stay home during hours of operation.”

“The County Parks Department and the Farmers’ Market have provided tables for the enjoyment of the community and our visitors,” said Miller. “In the past we have allowed an expression of creativity by young artists, however, lately that expression has often resulted in grafitti and defacing, which is unacceptable. Our beautiful Park is a source of pride on Orcas, therefore the tables will be refreshed each week and looking new.

“It will be incumbent upon our community and parents to protect our property,” Miller said.

She also commented about signage. “In response to the County Enforcer Jeff Wasnick’s article in the April 23 Sounder, I find it difficult to believe that 90 percent of the feedback from the community was in favor of removing signs. We realize that commercial signage was getting excessive, however, announcements of special events for non-profits such as Orcas Center, the FunHouse, Sunday Music in the Park and the Farmers’ Market are our life-blood, without which visitors and members of the community will have no awareness of these events.”

“We hope to see everyone returning to the Green for our Grand Opening this Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.,” Miller said.