As reported last week, this Thursday afternoon will be the last opportunity for shoppers to browse through the many local vendors at the FarmBoat in 2010. After today, it will be closed until its spring market, which is projected to start in late March, depending on the growing season. At today’s final 2010 winter market, the Farmboat’s usual vendors will be accompanied by music from the Seattle Waldorf School and food provided by Nollies.

With 2011 rapidly approaching, FarmBoat’s organizer, Captain David Petrich is already preparing for the spring season. Plans are currently in the works to obtain more vendors and to start a smaller market boat that will service communities along Lake Union and other local waterways. A few proposed stops include Eastlake’s own Terry Pettus Park and the Lynn Street Park near Pete's Wine Shop. Other spots currently being discussed include locations near the Center for Wooden Boats, Gas Works Park and Auga Verde. Deliveries to these places will... (more)

While Eastlake may not have a farmers market of its own yet, it does have access to South Lake Union’s newest market, the FarmBoat – a floating farmers market, thanks to Captain Larry Kezner’s mini ferry service at Terry Pettus Park ( Fairview and Newton). For a mere $6 round trip, passengers can enjoy a scenic trip across the lake to the market. The service leaves every hour from Pettus Park and makes a return trip leaving Lake Union Park forty-five minutes after its arrival at the market. Service at Pettus begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. every Thursday in conjunction with the Winter FarmBoat’s hours.  Schedule updates and info at www.SeattleFerryService.com or 206-713-8446.

Captain Larry Kezner started the service in an effort to raise awareness about Lake Union’s history with maritime transportation and to provide a flexible alternative to Seattle’s congested roadways. He also runs the Sunday Ice Cream Boat cruise and does private parties on his larger ferry boat.

“I’ve been trying to demonstrate... (more)