For those for whom the nesting Seattle University hummingbirds were not enough, you only have two three more weeks until the surest sign of spring on Capitol Hill returns — in a brand new space. Starting with its May 8 debut, the Broadway Farmers Market will have a new home at Seattle Central Community College for 2011. 

Image: Seattle Central

Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance director Chris Curtis told CHS at the end of the Broadway market’s 2010 season that the Seattle Central plan was a go. If you’re wondering why the market had to move, here are pictures of the area at Thomas and Broadway where the market used to live. And, btw, here are pictures of the space where the market will probably live once 2016 rolls around, Nagle is transformed and the light rail Broadway station is operational.

CHS has also learned of another change coming to the Broadway Farmers Market in its new season — beer and wine tasting. According to Washington Liquor Control Board Records, the NFMA applied back for the new farmers market licenses for the Capitol Hill site to allow tasting of beer and wine available for sale at Broadway and Pine.

While the new space on the Seattle Central plaza will lack some of the charm of the Bank of America parking lot (we kid — but there was something nice about being in a place where you could feel the buzz of Broadway and see the edge of the area’s residential zone), it should promise to be an interesting space with the potential for better flow and more activities along with the vendors. Those vendors might also face a few more headaches with load in and load out.

Here’s the announcement from NFMA on the new space and the upcoming season for Broadway:

Broadway Farmers Market Celebrates NEW Location Starting May 8!

 (Seattle)  The Broadway Farmers Market, which has become one of Capitol Hill’s best-loved traditions since its inception 6 years ago, kicks off the season again on Mother’s Day (May 8) with the return of over 40 local farmers and artisan food vendors.

Opening day celebrations will be especially exciting this year, as the market starts up at its New Location in front of Seattle Central Community College.  Beginning with a market blessing by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence of the Abbey of St. Joan(who will lead a procession from the old market location to the new), farmers and shoppers will be serenaded by the lovely sounds of the Seattle Central Community College Jazz Ensemble.  Delicious FREE Treats for shoppers will be provided by the Seattle Culinary Academy, and Free Plant Starts and Seeds for the first 200 shoppers (and their moms) are being provided by Sunseed Farm.

Every Sunday through Dec 18, the Broadway Farmers Market offers a fabulous selection of fresh, seasonal and locally-grown produce direct from farms around Puget Sound and Eastern Washington, as well as sustainably-caught seafood, domestic and wild foraged mushrooms, honey, pastured and organic meats, farm-fresh eggs and gourmet cheeses.  In May, shoppers can also find plant starts, including edible and decorative plants suitable for planter boxes and pots.  Seasonal cut flowers are available throughout the season. Everything at the farmers market is grown or produced in Washington State by local, sustainable farms and by local food businesses.  Many of the items found at the farmers markets are unavailable anywhere else, since small family farms often grow unique or unusual varieties that regular grocery stores don’t carry.

 New Vendors This Year

In addition to the much loved returning farmers, the market is welcoming several new vendors this year. Canales Farm, famous for their asparagus, will be at the market in May, June and July.  Port Madison Farm on Bainbridge Island makes sumptuous goat cheeses and creamy goat yogurt, and Palouse Pastured Poultry raises organic chickens and eggs.  On the prepared food front, CitiZen Foods will be selling unique savory vegan burgers with gluten-free wraps and slaws, all made with fresh, seasonal farm products.  Daring Darlings Gluten-Free Bakery will be bringing their fresh-made treats and breads to the market, and Heavenly Pastry and Cake will feature traditional French pastries.   

The Market will also host live music and cooking demos throughout the season.  As always, we encourage shoppers to support local farmers and use the farmers market as one of your best resources for learning about sustainable food and farms in our region. 

The Broadway Farmers Market accepts EBT/Quest cards (food stamps), as well as WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons. 

The Broadway Farmers Market takes place every Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm, from May 8 through December 18 on the corner of Broadway Ave E & E Pine – outdoor on the SCCC campus.   

The Broadway Farmers Market is operated by the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening Washington’s small family farms.  You can find information about all seven Neighborhood Farmers Markets at www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org.