This summer, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market introduced a fun new feature designed to inspire the youngest members of the community: the Kids Club! From June 28 through Aug. 30, the Kids Club booth—set up just outside Bainbridge Performing Arts—welcomed children of all ages with games, hands-on activities, and local food.

Funded in part by sponsorships from Town & Country, Sound Repro Graphics, and Storage 98110, the Kids Club was completely free to families. Each week, children who stopped by could participate in a rotating activity, from blind vegetable identification and market scavenger hunts to bird feeder making and other creative projects. Upon completing the activity, every child received four dollars in “Kids Bucks,” a special market currency they could spend however they wanted at the vendor booths. Children selected their own fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods.

Erica Pecha, the BI market manager, and intern Brian Fosmark say the program was about much more than fun and freebies. By weaving kids into the fabric of the market, the initiative helped strengthen community ties. Local growers and small business owners connected directly with families. “It’s amazing to watch kids walk up to a farmer and make a purchase with their own ‘money,’” said Pecha. “It makes the whole market feel more inclusive.”

In addition to boosting math and budgeting skills, the activities encouraged kids to think about where their food comes from. For many, it was the first time they identified vegetables by touch or talked with the person who grew their carrots or strawberries.

The program wrapped up its first season Aug. 30. This September, families can participate in the Zucchini Races in collaboration with the Kids Discovery Museum Sept. 27. KiDiMu will be open from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 for people to make zucchini cars and the race will be held the next day at the farmers market from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on the BPA lawn.