‹‹ prev 1 of 2 next ›› ANDY SAWYER/Yakima Herald-Republic Sweet salad onions for sale at Imperial's Garden were some of the relatively small variety of produce available on the opening day of the Yakima Farmers' Market Sunday, May 11, 2008. ANDY SAWYER/Yakima Herald-Republic Mihai and Gabi Rotaru, center and right, check out the eggs and herbs out for sale from Soren Singel, left, of Biocentro Ecofarms, on the opening day of the Yakima Farmers' Market Sunday, May 11, 2008. Links   E-mail             Print            Advertisement

An Elvis impersonator, brandywine tomatoes and teriyaki jerky, with a little jewelry and custom artwork thrown in for good measure.

All that and more -- don't forget the fresh-baked bread -- could be found at the opening day of the Yakima Farmers Market.

Nearly 30 vendors filled a stretch of South Third Street between the Millennium Plaza and the Capitol Theatre for several hours Sunday.

By the time crops have ripened, more than 60 booths will offer fresh produce and other items.

Good weather, except for a bit of a breeze, helped draw a decent crowd to what promoters had promised would be a "bigger, better event."

The vendors seemed to think so.

Jim Zagelow, who sells beefalo from his farm outside of Wapato, said he had expected the first day to be a bit slower than it actually ended up.

"It's fun to see the people, refreshing to see families walk through here," Zagelow said.

Soren Singel, a second-year vendor, said this year seemed to be taking off better than last year. That might be because customers are more interested in natural foods, he said.

Singel's Biocento Ecofarms, on Thompson Road outside of Yakima, features free-range chickens and naturally grown produce like tomatoes.

Besides sharing advice on better eating habits, Singel enjoys the social aspect of the market.

"It's great. I meet a lot of people," he said.

For others, the entertainment is just one more reason to come on down to the market.

An Elvis impersonator made his traditional Mother's Day appearance, complete with a blue suit and some groovin' wiggles. For those who weren't able to make it, he's already booked for next year, market manager Don Eastridge said.

West Valley resident Donna Mazie and a couple of family members sat listening to the music of the King.

They said they try to make the market a regular stop, sometimes buying jewelry or munching on some good barbecue.

"We usually come every weekend after church," Mazie said.

* Mark Morey can be reached at 577-7671 or mmorey@yakimaherald.com.