By SOPHIE BONOMI
sbonomi@soundpublishing.com

It’s that time of year again. Flowers are blooming. The sun is staying out longer. And farmers are hauling their products to markets, supplying our tables with all that’s fresh, local, and unique about Kitsap County.

Nothing’s sweeter than a fresh red apple or crisp carrot from your own backyard. The local markets are the next best thing, and there are several farmers markets to choose from.

Our farmers markets feature fresh produce, foods, and flowers, as well as art and other handmade items. It’s a casual shopping experience, where you can not only taste the merchandise but also chat with the vendors. Long after those fresh leeks and potatoes are consumed, the memory of the farmers market experience will live on.

Let’s take a tour, from north to south.

At the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, 15 local farmers and vintners join artists, craftspeople and musicians at the town square at Bainbridge Island City Hall. The market features live music and concessions; shoppers are encouraged to mingle and explore the local products.

The Bainbridge Farmers Market season began on March 26 and continues through Dec. 17. Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Info: www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.org.

The Suquamish Farmers Market season begins on May 4 adjacent to the Masi Shop, 16281 Highway 305.

This Wednesday market features all of the goods and produce you’d expect at a farmers market, as well as art by local Coast Salish artists.

The market is still accepting vendor applications. Go to www.suquamishfarmersmarket.org.

The lively Kingston Farmers Market on the Cove is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May 7 to mid-October, at Mike Wallace Park.

This market features live music and an unparalleled view of the water (Appletree Cove). Located adjacent to the Kingston ferry landing, the market is a wonderful day trip from the mainland, right in the heart of Kingston’s downtown.

Info: www.kingstonfarmersmarket.com.

Ravenwood Market, in Little Boston on the Port Gamble S’Klallam reservation, is celebrating its second season. It’s located in parklike open space adjacent to the Gliding Eagle.

The market is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays starting May 1. The market features art, clothing food and more. Vendor space is available for $25. Call 360-297-7410 or email ravenwoodmarket@gmail.com.

Info: www.pgst.nsn.us/tribal-enterprises/noo-kayet-development/ravenwood-market.

The Poulsbo Farmers Market has a new location: at the lot outside Poulsbo Parks & Recreation, 19540 Front St. NE, Poulsbo.

But the market will still feature familiar events, such as the Tomato Taste-Off, the Harvest Dinner, and the Pumpkin Party — as well as live music every week.

The market will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, rain or shine, April 2 to Dec. 17. The market accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, as well as debit and EBT cards.

This year, the market will begin a Fresh Bucks program, offering matching money for EBT purchases.

Info: www.poulsbofarmersmarket.org.

The Silverdale Farmers Market at 9551 Ridgetop Blvd., Silverdale is celebrating its 17th year.

The market’s season is April 28 to Sept. 29. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays.

The market supports local farmers and artists. It presents a lavender festival, 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.,  July 14, 21 and 28.

Info: www.silverdalefarmersmarket.com.

The Bremerton Farmers Market season is May 5 to Oct. 13. The market, located at 1400 Park Ave, Bremerton, will be open 4-7 p.m. every Thursday.

The market will offer local produce, local foods, and creative handmade items under the trees in the Evergreen-Rotary Park by the sea. Vendors encourage visitors to “think local first.”

Info: www.bremertonmarket.wordpress.com.

The Port Orchard Farmers Market, serving Kitsap County since 1979, was the first open-air market in Kitsap. Located at ​Port Orchard’s waterfront boardwalk, the market season is from mid-April to mid-October, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

Vendors offer local arts and crafts, dairy, flowers, fruits, meats, plants, prepared foods, vegetables, and services. Vendors support these programs: SNAP, WIC, EBT, and Senior Citizens Vouchers.

Info: www.pofarmersmarket.org.

The Olalla Valley Farmers Market, at 13053 Olalla Valley Road S.E., Olalla, is open 1-6 p.m. Fridays from May to September. (Times may vary).

Some of the many items available for sale include arts and crafts, eggs, flowers, herbs, nursery plants, and  vegetables. The market accepts credit cards.

Info: Visit the Olalla Valley Farmers Market Facebook page.