Kids' Vending Day

This young entrepreneur was one of a handful of children who braved today's continually changing weather -- gray/sunshine, raining/dry, windy/still -- to take part in the first Kids' Vending Day this season at the Bellingham Farmers Market.

It's always fun to see what the young folks bring to sell; today's seven tables of offerings included handmade earrings being sold by a high school clarinetist to help fund her trip with the band to Japan, and "Hugs & Kisses" coupon books, perfect for Mother's Day (the second Sunday in May), among others.

The youthful vendors just show up on the last Saturday of the month by 9:45 a.m., sign in at the farmers' market Information Booth, pay $5, set up their tables, and be ready for the market to open at 10 a.m. All items for sale must be handmade or grown by the vendor.

As the weather grows warmer, and particularly in the summer, there will be many more young vendors bringing their wares to market. I've bought some lovely earrings, hand-carved wooden bowls, handmade soaps, and other delights in the past, and look forward to supporting this year's crop of creative children in the months to come.