Good Dogs at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market

Diane with Polly on her leash

By Constance Perenyi

The issue of dogs at farmers markets is a hot topic these days. To welcome canine companions, or to ban them? This is the question many sponsors weigh as markets become more popular, and increasingly crowded. While may still allow dogs, The Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance has never allowed them, and the Edmonds Market has just decided that fido is no longer part of the mix.

Recognizing how important it is for humans to take full responsibility for their animal companions, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is taking another approach this season. We have always welcomed dogs, but we are beginning the process of banning flexi-leads, those expandable leashes that allow dogs to explore, and in crowded places like farmers market, to wrap around shoppers legs, get too close to other dogs, and create all kinds of unintentional havoc.

Our policy insists that people keep their dogs on short leashes while they shop at the market, and  that they pay close attention to what is happening at the end of those leads. 

To make this fun for everyone, we are now selling leashes made especially for the market. 4 feet in length, sturdy enough to hold a Great Dane, but long enough to walk a Chihuahua, each is inscribed with the message “I am a good dog at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.” They cost only $7, and come with a treat for the good dogs whose thoughtful humans purchase them.

To promote good citizenship on both ends of the leash, we are sponsoring a special photo contest this season. People who take pictures of their best dog friend wearing a stylish new leash from the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market can enter to win a doggie gift basket from Mud Bay. There are two categories, and we encourage people to enter either or both with: one picture of their stylish dog wearing a market leash at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, and/or one picture of their canine model sporting a market leash out in the world. 

Interested humans, and their dogs, can stop by the Friends Information Table to buy a leash, and get more information. Then, participants can take some great pictures, and send the best with their name, dog’s name, address, and phone to this email address .

Photo contest winners will be announced on October 21 on the last day of our regular season. The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is open on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. And yes, good dogs on short leashes are welcome. 

The Farmers Market is on the lower level of Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way NE at Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park 98155.