PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH “IT’S THYME TO CELEBRATE”: The theme for the 2019-2020 season coincides with the 125th anniversary of the City of West Palm Beach. Greenmarkets abound throughout South Florida; the city’s is one of the region’s largest.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Sugar, spice, and everything nice are returning to the waterfront, as the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, a premier Saturday spot to gather fresh food and local goods, kicks off its 25th season on Saturday, Oct. 5.

One of the largest in the region, the Green- Market features 90 vendors offering a variety of products, including fresh produce, exotic plants and flowers, herbs and spices, baked goods, gourmet and specialty foods, coffee and teas, and much more.

The season-opening coincides with the 125th anniversary of the City of West Palm Beach. In a nod to the events planned to commemorate the two milestones throughout the year, “It’s Thyme to Celebrate” has been selected as the theme for the 20192020 season.

“It is a very exciting time for the city as we observe these two anniversaries,” said Mayor Keith A. James.

Due to Phase II of the Clematis Streetscape project, GreenMarket vendors will be temporarily located along Flagler Drive for part of the season. It is expected that the GreenMarket will return to its popular regular location in December, once road work is finished. (The project, which is widening sidewalks and adding more shade trees along Clematis Street, is expected to restrict load-in/load-out access for vendors).

Once road work is complete in December, the GreenMarket will return to its usual location on the Great Lawn, 101 N. Clematis St.

“’Make the GreenMarket even Greener,” a collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Office of Sustainability which launched last year, continues this season as vendors pledge to eliminate plastic straws, coffee stirrers and Styrofoam cups and containers. This initiative will make a measurable mark on the City’s efforts to enhance the viability of West Palm Beach as a modern model of healthy, environmentally progressive, ecologically sustainable and resilient urban living.

In addition to the local vendors, the GreenMarket also features live music, unlimited mimosas for $10, and plentiful green space and seating, for a morning full of fun and relaxation.

Guests are also encouraged to mark their calendars for special events and activities throughout the season, including a dog costume contest on October 26; Veteran’s Day recognition on November 9; holiday entertainment on December 21; Salsa Saturday on January 18; The Strawberry Jam on February 8; and an Earth Day celebration on April 18.

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is produced by the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, Community Events, and will run weekly through Saturday, April 18, 2020, except for Saturday, March 28, 2020, due to the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

The GreenMarket is friendly to dogs on short leashes and is always free. Parking is available in two city garages, both just blocks from the waterfront. Until the completion of Phase II of Clematis Streetscape, parking is free in the Evernia/Olive garage and in the Banyan/Olive garage before 1 p.m. Once road work is complete, parking will be free in the Evernia/Olive garage during market hours and a flat fee of $5 in the Banyan/Olive garage before 1 p.m.

Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the city’s free public docks. Locals and visitors are also encouraged to arrive on the city’s free trolley, eliminating car trips.

In addition, those wishing to ride their bikes downtown can utilize the complimentary bicycle valet located in the City Hall courtyard. The valet, sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, will be open during GreenMarket hours.

For other information about waterfront events, visit wpb.org/events, call 561-8221515 or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @westpalmbch.