Did you ever pick a fresh tomato from the vine for immediate in-the-tummy deposit as kids, or pull a carrot from Mom's garden for instant chomping, or watch corn stalks loaded with yellow beauties while counting the days before harvest?

Oh yes, and that fresh, sweet taste of bountiful beauties memories linger even now.

Des Moines launched their Waterfront Farmer's Market at the marina's south end (227th St.) 6 years ago, with volunteers and major cooperation between local farmers, city officials, businesses and community organizations.

Market manager Rikki Marohl, was, and is, the tremendous helper who directs operations and encourages participation. Rikki has done her job so well, that on Saturday, Aug. 20th, this remarkable lady will be recognized with an award from Washington State Farmers Market Association for being Washington's "Best Farmer's Market Manager!" The event will be between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information is at www.DMFM.org.

Wayne Corey, president of the DM Market Board Association said, "Over the years Rikki has been instrumental in this market's success and continues to make it better. This year she's reaching out to new farmers and vendors to give customers a richer market shopping experience. That has resulted in an outstanding increase of market growth over last year."

Rikki is a warm, welcoming person, devoted to DM market and helping everyone to keep the market running smoothly, fairly and successfully. She deserves this official recognition and appreciation from all. During World War II people grew "Victory Gardens," in their backyard for fresh vegetables because of a shortage of farmers. Many had enlisted in the military to help fight to preserve America's freedom. God bless them all.

Here we are, 70 years later and some of those same luscious healthy vegetables are found at local farmer's markets. No more shoveling dirt, pulling weeds, watering the blessed thirsty crop daily and cleaning the little jewels before they hit the cooking pot. Instead of mostly canned vegetables, as it was then, we now have a myriad of fresh farm choices.

Behind the market's welcomed success are devoted volunteers and workers helping to pull it all together every Saturday.

The heart of success is the hardworking farmers and the pride they take in their crops. They shovel the dirt, plant seeds, water and weed every day, then harvest their crops and share with us.

Corey said the future looks bright for DMFM. The association is now non-profit and set up with a general operating fund and an endowment fund with the purpose of supply funding in perpetuity. The board recently introduced exclusive Farmers' Market Wines for sale to raise supporting market revenue. Sales and donations welcomed.

A new food stamp program has been initiated through Sept. 10th, with free tokens for every $5 spent. Details available at DM Market information booth.

Corey said, "Des Moines Farmers Market is off to a great start with attendance and sales records being broken most every weekend, up 30-40 percent over last year. More vendors, more selections of goods are two reasons for success. Of course, it doesn't hurt business being located in the newly remodeled beautiful marina."

The sole purpose of this non-profit organization is a funding mechanism for the sustainability of Des Moines Farmer's Market -- even into perpetuity.

Two future events are: "Kids back to School Day" Sept. 10th with children activities and the annual "Chili Cook-off" Oct. 29th, limited to 15 teams this year.

Some farmers drive here from Eastern Washington after hours of picking, preparing their produce. Then they put up displays, man their booths and drive back over the mountains. That is one hugely long day. So it's critical to have a well -kept place to display their crops and other items that make money and the trip worthwhile. If consistent sales are not sustained, farmers can't afford to come here.

Rikki said. "Being a volunteer with DM Farmer's Market has been a life-changing experience for me and my family. I work with my daughter, mother, father and longtime volunteer Kim Trapp at the market and my family changed to healthier eating habits. I have more confidence and communication among family, friends and community."

Rikki's family includes daughter Amber Scott, 18,and son Zac Marohl, 9, as well as mom Denise Geer and dad Burt Geer.

Yesteryear it was Victory Gardens. Today it's farmer's markets and they may change. Yet, the taste of that tomato from Mom's garden lingers as best in my memories.

Good tomatoes, like people, remain tasty and mellow given kindly care.

Today's Thought: "Better a friendly refusal than an unwilling promise." (Proverb)