Even after five seasons of operation, many attendees do not realize that the Maple Valley Farmers’ Market is a largely a volunteer-run organization. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the market is governed by a board of directors and overseen by a volunteer market manager. Paid employees are minimal: one paid adult does the bookkeeping and is on site each Saturday to oversee vendors, help customers, and manage the five Tahoma High School interns who receive a small compensation for working the seventeen Market Saturdays.

The rest of the Market management and operation, however, rests in the hands of volunteers. Board members and community volunteers handle everything from vendor recruitment to publicity to jurying artisans to arranging for musical entertainment, sponsors, volunteers, and special events.

Community members wishing to volunteer to keep the market running should visit the website at www.maplevalleyfarmersmarket.org/getinvolved.html. Many opportunities are listed, some requiring only 90 minutes; those 16 and older can volunteer using Sign-Up Genius www.signupgenius.com/go/508054CACAD22A46-maple. As a reward for a shift, each volunteer will receive a $5 Farmers Market buck to spend at the Market.

Those who wish to offer a suggestion, organize an event, or serve in a different capacity can email the Market at info@maplevalleyfarmersmarket.org or call the market manager at 425-463-6751.