The bustling farmers market season is winding down, but activities are abundant.
Though most of the berries, cucumbers and summer squash have passed their prime market days, you can expect to find succulent tomatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, corn, dried onions, garlic and leeks at area farmers markets in October.
For a seasonal list of what’s ripe, go to http://www.slowfoodskagit.org and click on Harvest Calendar.
The Concrete and Oak Harbor markets have closed already. Others will display the bounty of fall crops through the middle of October, then feature holiday activities for several more weeks.
Several are offering unusual activities this weekend.
The Anacortes Farmers Market is participating in a Cascade Harvest Coalition incentive on Saturday, Sept. 26. Free $2 Market “Fresh” Bucks will be available to spend at the market that day.
The Coupeville Farmers Market at Alexander and Eighth streets will host a fruit exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
A booth will be set up where island residents can bring fruit to share with neighbors for free.
Entries for the Apple Creation Contest are due by 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, with winners to be announced Saturday, Oct. 10, during the Coupeville Farmers Market HarvestFest. More questions? Call 360-678-8060. john c 9/16/09
The Mount Vernon Farmers Market is encouraging valley residents to celebrate autumn at the Mount Vernon Fall Fest to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. The market will temporarily relocate to First Street in front of the Lincoln Theatre and Pine Square.
Locally grown and organic produce, meats, bread, cheese and seafood, as well as crafts and ready-to-eat snacks will be featured, accompanied by live music by the Polka Dots and other local talent.
An antique truck show, street fair and beer and wine garden will continue until 5 p.m.
Ron Farrell, 360-540-4066, can answer more questions about the festival.
Anacortes
Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 17 at the Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave., http://www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org. Contact: Keri Knapp, 360-293-7922 or info@ anacortesfarmersmarket.org.
Ask about free $2 Market “Fresh” Bucks from the Cascade Harvest Coalition to spend Sept. 26.
Coupeville
Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 10 at 788 NW Alexander St., coupevillefarmers market.com. Contact: Peg Tennant, 360-678-4288, .
Bring homegrown fruit to exchange with neighbors for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
Mount Vernon
n Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 17 by the Skagit River at Gates Street and Main Avenue. http://www.mountvernonfarmersmarket.org. Contact: Ron Farrell, 360-540-4066 or .
n Check out the Mount Vernon Fall Fest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, on First Street in front of the Lincoln Theatre and Pine Square.
Sedro-Woolley
Open 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 14 in Hammer Heritage Square at Metcalf and Ferry streets, http://www.sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket.com. Contact: Gilda Gorr, 360-724-3835, .
Skagit Valley
Open 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 25 at 19193 Highway 534, east off I-5 Exit 221 in Conway, http://www.skagitvalleyfarmersmarket.com. Produce stand open daily. Contact: Tory Fidler, 360-422-5142, .
On the web: http://www.wafarmersmarkets.com.

