Hundreds of patrons flocked to the fourth season opener of the Maple Valley Farmers Market June 16 at Rock Creek Elementary.

In fact, a record was for opening day, wrote Market Manager Victoria Laise Jonas in an email interview.

There were just under 1,500 patrons who visited the market in four hours, Jonas wrote.

“Maple Valley residents and beyond turned out in force to support our local farmers, processors, prepared food vendors and artisans,” Jonas wrote. “Opening day brought in a total of 46 vendors of which many were favorite returning vendors and over a dozen new vendors which we welcomed into our Maple Valley Farmers’ Market family.  Our fabulous Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra once again performed to the delight of the crowds — as they have done, every Opening Day for the past four years. Face-painter Karen Haines (Illustriddler) made the day extra special for the younger set with offering free face-painting.”

The multitude of customers were treated to colorful flower displays, familiar vendors such as Charlaine’s Jams, Illusion Wines and Lind’s Meats as well as new faces such as a Ristrettos coffee stand, Sweet Briar Produce, among others.

Annette Smith, who is one of the proprietors or Sweet Briar Produce which is located near Black Diamond, was excited to introduce the products from the family farm.

“We came last year and it was so nice and set up so well,” Smith said. “We have a produce stand set up at the farm but we thought this would be a nice way to sell our products.”

Smith said they brought plenty of herbs, lettuce, beets, kale, rhubarb, flowers, braising greens and more to sell at the market.

The farm where those items come from was started in 1999, Smith said, but they started selling at the produce stand on their property four years ago.

It seemed like a natural progression to sell at the market which isn’t far from home, she added, and the plan is to be there every Saturday but one.

“I’d just like more people to get to know us,” Smith said. “We wanted to have fun.”

Strains of music provided by the Maple Valley Youth Symphony floated through the air while the smell of garlic wafted from another booth as couples, moms with strollers and families wandered among the market.

This year there are 21 sponsors as well as 21 farmers, ranchers and a vintner.

“I am very pleased with how our number of farmers has increased over the past three years,” Jonas wrote. “The foundation of our Maple Valley Farmers’ Market was built on the premise of providing a community gather place in which we would be able to promote and support the sustainability of our local/regional farmers by bringing fresh and healthy food options to our community. I believe we are well on our way in achieving our mission.”

Jonas added that the support of the Tahoma School District, the city of Maple Valley, community leaders and volunteers make the market possible.

She wrote that she is still amazed that Maple Valley has its own Farmers Market.

“It’s just such a natural fit for Maple Valley residents and beyond,” Jonas wrote. “I am humbled by being part of this amazing journey and look forward to all of the offerings our Farmers’ Market will have to offer this market season.”