Country Village in Bothell is one of the most unique shopping areas in the Puget Sound area. With everything from antique and decor shops to a bookstore and a toy store, there is something for everyone. But the shopping area has added another element for the summer.
The only farmers’ market in the Kenmore and Bothell area opened on June 7 at Country Village with 14 vendors, adding to the retail center’s eclectic shopping experience.
“We try to have a good balance of vendors,” said Tami McIntyre with Country Village’s management. “In the past year we have had generally more crafters but we try to have five or six of each type.”
The types of market vendors range from flowers, produce, music to breakfast foods and to creative gifts for those with newborns. One of the businesses set up for for the first time at Country Village is Carrisma Collections, owned by Nicole Allen.
“This is a venue that is cost-effective,” said Allen, who participates in various famers’ markets in the area. “I do get repeat customers and I get to travel around and get customers I wouldn’t normally be able to reach.”
Allen’s business is a labor of love and a way to give back to a community that helped her in her time of need. She makes jewelry to sell at the markets and donates a portion of the profits to Hopelink.
“I got sick about four years ago and I was not able to go back to work,” said Allen. “I want to give back to a place that helped me and my family.”
Allen said that she gets her ideas for her designs from more expensive jewelry.
“I make it myself and if you bought it in a catalog it would be between $60-90,” said Allen, who sells most of her pieces for about $30. “I look for the trends and try to stay up-to-date. Ladies love to sparkle and as long as I can make them do that I am good.”
The market, which has been the village’s summertime staple for nearly a decade, takes place every Friday from noon until 6 p.m. until Oct. 4.
McIntyre said that Country Village finds their vendors through various means, including its Facebook page and as a member of the Washington State Farmers’ Market Association.
“We have only local products and that really propels the market,” said McIntyre.
Another creative business at the market is Children’s Garden Gifts, owned by Bothell mom Melissa Moody. The business sells gifts, made from diapers and other baby items, for families with babies. Some of the creations include a “tiered cake” made from diapers, washcloth “lolly pops” and receiving blanket “milkshakes.”
All the items are made with special hypoallergenic diapers.
Moody, just like Allen, makes all the items she sells at her booth.
“It doesn’t take her very long and she comes up with all the ideas herself,” said Moody’s mother Fedda Lehan.
Lehan said that her granddaughter is the inspiration for her daughter’s creative venture.
The Country Village Farmers’ Market is just one of many events happening at the shopping area this summer. For more information, visit www.countryvillagebothell.com.
