Farmers market opens for season

NEWPORT – Opening day of the Newport Farmers Market had many vendors but few customers on a clear and blustery Saturday downtown.

“The first day is usually a little slow,” market manager Michelle Masuen said. “They don’t get in the habit of going to a farmers market, but give it a couple of weeks and we will have a steady run of shoppers.”

Held on the corner of Union and Third Street every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., vendors were selling homemade crafts, plants, and homegrown vegetables, eggs and meat.

The Newport Farmers Market has run since 1979, making it one of the oldest in Washington state.

“Fresh quality produce is the main seller,” Masuen said. “And the crafts change all the time. There are so many talented people.”

Jonathan Minnich is a young entrepreneur who works creating 3-D prints. His latest invention is bucket handles designed by himself.

“I really like doing this. I think it’s the right direction for me,” he said.