By Ruby Tuesday Romero

I’ve often wondered what a farmers market could do for the White Center neighborhood.

Markets open the floodgates of community, offering a weekly home to local farmers and creatives who otherwise may not have the platform to do so. At these trade posts, I have found the best tasting fruit and other products that provide encouragement to eat healthy every day. Naturally, I was excited to hear about a new opportunity to get farm fresh produce.

Although not quite in Rat City, but closer than other neighboring markets, the Top Hat Produce & Craft Market will be set up at Roba’s African Store on Wednesdays until Sept 14th from 3-7pm. This start up is intimate right now with only a few vendors, but it is growing. Soon, there will be different food trucks providing good eats and a chance for you to browse the tables while you wait.

Maybe even some live music from 5-7pm??

Vendors include The Basement Archives, which offers wooden (and often unconventional) gardening signs. Including the infamous ‘Bernie in a chair’ to offer your plants some company while you’re away.  TBA also provides magnets which remind you the importance sticking with your meds schedule as well as other affordable, adorable, useful, and hilarious décor.

Check them out on Instagram @thebasementarchivesart , or online at www.linktr-ee.com/thebasementarchives)

Another artist making an appearance this Wednesday is the infamous Pazuzu810. His sometimes creepy, but always vibrant murals have begun to spring up all over the south end ever since the lockdowns. I personally first noticed his work along 16th when plywood was covering most windows. Although most of those have disappeared, Paz now has permanent installments on the side of Pho Thai and along the wall next to Drunky’s, just to name two of a few dozen from here to Burien. Come see what sort of awesomeness you can take home! (@Pazuzu810 on Instagram, xedouteyes.com)

As for the produce, farmers around here rarely disappoint, including the neighbors herb garden. The northwest always has been a temperate and fertile area, although there is currently a shortage on certain items due to the recent wave of immense heat. Which leads me to think these small farmers could use some of our support. This midweek market is ready to provide farm-to-table produce, fresh cut flowers and more every week in the heart of Top Hat. Stay tuned for more on this.

Wednesdays, 3-7pm. 10854 Meyers W S, Seattle, WA 98168.