[Article by Snoqualmie resident and contributing writer, Amanda Rich]
A local event that is likely to become an annual holiday tradition is the Carnation Farms Christmas Market. The market is open this weekend, Saturday, December 15th and Sunday, December 16th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, Carnation Farms hosts the event in their historic Hippodrome. Not to worry, the space is heated and lit brightly with chandeliers and holiday string lights. Carnation Farms outfits the space with ample seating and full restrooms are accessible inside. Upon arrival, staff are on hand to guide you to covered parking in the barn and a shuttle transports guests from the barn to the Hippodrome and back.
This weekend the market will feature over 20 vendors – from baked goods and meats to artisans offering gifts for everyone on your holiday list – and Glassybaby will also have a booth. Don’t miss treats from the Carnation Farms Christmas Baked Goods stand. Hint: If you want to take home a freshly baked stolen, grab one early because they sell out before midday. After 11:00 am guests can enjoy bratwurst and spiced wine among other hot food and adult beverage options. There are free arts and crafts for children, including coloring, Popsicle snowflakes and pipe cleaner candy canes. Santa sits for photos (bring your own camera or use a smartphone) from 11:00am – 2:00pm and reading and face painting will also be available.
Vendors accept cash, but most have mobile payment options via card readers and secure mobile apps. For more information and to plan your own visit to the market, visit the Carnation Farms event calendar.
Since its founding in 1908, Carnation Farms has gone through several transitions. Most recently, the farm was known as Camp Korey. Descendants of the original founder, E.A. Stuart, repurchased the farm and founded a new nonprofit in Carnation Farms. Inspired by Stuart’s philanthropic legacy, they have set out to share the 818-acre organic farm with the community. Carnation Farms promotes sustainable practices and has a mission to connect the community to the land through farm-based and culinary education.
Carnation Farms is working to create a variety of programs and to explore innovative and creative ways to keep the land functioning as a working farm. Programs include summer camps, workshops, family retreats, farm-to-table dinners and more. You can see their current offerings here. Carnation Farms is also offering a farmer-in-training program and a summer employment and education program for teens. The farm is also available for weddings, meetings and events.
Carnation Farms also offers a farm stand Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and on Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The farm stand features eggs, honey, root vegetables, greens, dry beans and more grown at Carnation Farms. A limited number of holiday cakes and pies are available for pre-order through their Shop page.
Carnation Farms is located at 28901 NE Carnation Farms Road in Carnation. A donation of $2 is suggested.