The Kingston Farmers Market 2014 Season begins May 3 and operates every Saturday until mid-October. Of last year’s 26 market days, only one brought more rain than a sprinkle.

And this year is the Kingston Farmers Market’s 25th season! It’s an occasion to mark with a mid-July Market Celebration, and a moment for reflection.

Do you remember the early 1990’s fire in the Thriftway shopping complex that burnt out the post office, pharmacy, and dry cleaners as well as the grocery store? Think back on how Kingston has grown and changed from a ferry “bump in the highway” to a walkable community with open space and parks, Stillwaters Environmental Center, our fire station- turned- movie theater, an array of delicious restaurants, local property owners who have taken the risk of development and town merchants who have managed to survive the bad economic times. Just over the horizon is the Kingston Village Green Community Center with a new library, Boys & Girls Club, and more. Every one of these represents deep care and the stubborn commitment of people in our community. Rotarians, Kiwanians, Garden Club members and seniors, Options and Pre-School Co-op parents, and 20 more ways for people to connect, have a good time, and give back to each other. Kingston is a community that sees what needs to be done and steps up: A community that cares. A very special place that I am proud to call home. Thank you, Kingston!

Thank you, Kingston, for the hundreds of Saturdays that I have enjoyed at the Kingston Farmers Market, basking in the joyous laughter of customers, neighbors, and enjoying live music.

Thank you, Port of Kingston, for the bandstand, the park, and your support. Twenty-five years ago there was only one other farmers market in Kitsap County. Today, there are almost a dozen, including a new Friday market at Heronswood starting this year. Today, market vendors often set up at several of the markets on different days of the week. Today, markets “vie” for popular vendors.

Thank you, Kingston, for supporting the vendors who “graduated” from the Farmers Market to their own retail space. Or to their own wholesale craft business. Or to something else entirely, based on what they learned about marketing and sales, about production, about themselves.

Today, the Kingston Farmers Market remains home to a most wonderful and creative vendor village. And to the dogs that walk their owners through the Marina Park on Saturdays. And to the Community Booth and WSU Master Gardeners and Kingston Library’s Story Hours (after the school year ends). And the Kids Postcards. And Clint Dudley’s straw hat. Come on down and join us. You’re part of it too.

Thinking about a stall at the Kingston Farmers Market? Contact Market Manager Clint Dudley at 297-7683 or through the Vendor Services section on the Market website at www.KingstonFarmersMarket.com. Come on down!

—Contact Mary McClure 297-4300, mary@contrarymac.com, or Clint Dudley, 297-7683, KingstonFarm@earthlink.net.