The sun is shining and it's a beautiful time to be outdoors on Snohomish real estate. The lovely weather is perfect timing for the opening of the Snohomish Farmers Market. Starting on Thursday, May 4th residents living in Snohomish can get their grocery shopping done while basking in the wonderful fresh air.

A variety of vendors are set up at Cedar Avenue and Pearl Street. Fresh fruits and vegetables from local Washington farms are well represented. Other food items such as local honey, organic coffee, and grass fed meat are also offered up. Shoppers feeling the stirrings of hunger will find plenty of choices to satisfy. Burgers, hot dogs, sushi and kettle corn are often on hand.

Local craftsmen and artists also have a spot to showcase their goods at the market. Amazing artwork can be found down the aisles along with unique trinkets. From furniture to handmade jewelry there’s always something new to discover. Bouquets of flowers and potted plants are great for adding color to Snohomish real estate landscapes. Regular growers frequent the market appealing to Washington residents with a green thumb.

The Snohomish Farmers Market is in full swing each Thursday, May to September from 3 to 7 p.m. Make it a weekly stop to get grocery shopping done and develop a true farm to table shopping habit. 

The Evergreen State Fairgrounds offer amazing events throughout the whole year to those living in Monroe. Next up is the Cinco de Mayo Carnival May 5th through 7th, 2017. There will be rides, food, vendor booths, action on the speedway, and many other events. Watch the joy on the faces of your children as they ride the Scrambler, Zipper, Bumper Cars, or the Happy Swing. Get a thrill from watching Tandem Drifting, NASCAR, or Hot Import Daze and Autocross on the speedway. When hunger strikes, munch on Fisher Scones, Taco Monte Alban, Elephant Ears and Churros, and many other tasty selections. Do some dancing with the live DJ on Friday night from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Check out the Western Heritage Museum, Spring 4H Horse Show, WAC Gun Show, and search for treasures at the Homespun Spring Bazaar.

Anyone who is living in Monroe and already looking forward to the main event, the Evergreen State Fair, can also be aware that early bird discount tickets are already available. Prices will go up after April 30th, so if you already know that you will be going, why not pick them up now? Purchase online with a convenience fee or stop into the fair office for fee free tickets. Find more information about the carnival and follow the links for the early bird advance tickets to the Cinco de Mayo Carnival. 

Lake Stevens property owners get to know the lay of the land at the Discover Lake Stevens Expo on April 29th. Key community venues showcase their contributions to the region. Locals are encouraged to come and get to know the resources that surround Lake Stevens homes. Booths will be set up in the Lake Stevens High School Cafeteria, with the doors remaining open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Discover Lake Stevens Expo is presented by the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce. Dedicated to supporting business growth and community spirit on Lake Stevens property, this organization always plans fun and interactive events. Participants have the opportunity to win prizes, interact with businesses and sample tastes of local cuisine. Those with an artistic flair can join other artists in creating colorful chalk masterpieces.

Organizations represented in the 2017 event will include the Lake Stevens Fire Department, Lake Stevens Senior Center and Library, American Legion, 5 Rights Brewing, Ludus Performing Arts and more. Many are looking forward to meeting the esteemed Hopp’s Hydroplane Racing Team and trying a turn at the simulator. The top giveaway of the convention is a paddleboard and kayak. Learn all about the place you call home. Stop by the Discover Lake Stevens Expo and get to know friendly neighborhood businesses. 

Adults 21 and over are invited to Thomas Farm, a beautiful piece of Snohomish real estate, for Snohomish on the Rocks. This event will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2017 and will celebrate those in the distillery industry in the Northwest. Meet the distillers, sample their creations, and learn about their methods. Ask questions and make a list of your favorites. Blackfish Spirits Distillery, Four Leaf Spirits, Heritage Distilling Company, Mt. Index Brewery and Distillery, Stone Barn Brandy Works, and Whidbey Island Distillery are just a few of the establishments that will be represented.

A variety of ticket options are available to Snohomish real estate owners. The VIP Session gives priority entrance from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., 12 tasting tickets, a shot glass, 10% off a bottle, a $5 food voucher, and early entrance into the afternoon session all for $60. Those interested in just attending the afternoon or evening session can do so for $40. These tickets include 8 tasting tickets, a shot glass, and a $5 food voucher. Come for the afternoon session from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. or the evening session from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be safe and bring along a designated driver who can get a ticket for just $10 for any session. These tickets include a $5 food voucher and a bottle of water. The northwest is home to some top notch distillers, read more about this event and purchase tickets for Snohomish on the Rocks. 

Equine Aid Horse and Donkey Rescue is a non-profit organization that calls Monroe home and works hard to rescue and rehabilitate these amazing animals. The founder, Doug Arneson, his group of dedicated volunteers, and Petey the resident donkey work hard on this 10 acre property to care for the animals and look for adoptive families. Come check out this impressive operation on Saturday, April 22, 2017 for the first Open Barn of the year.

Come meet the majestic creatures, some of whom are adoptable and others who are in training or in sanctuary. Learn more about rescue and adoption and think about the possibility of bringing an animal to your Monroe home. What a great gift to give a horse or donkey who has had a rough go at life. There were 12 adoptions in 2016 and hopefully many more will follow in 2017. Ask questions and see if this could be a good fit. Even if your property is not equine friendly, horse and donkey enthusiasts are still invited to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and spend some time with the animals. This could be a great spot to volunteer and do some good. This Open Barn is in support of the fifth annual Help A Horse Day, which is on April 26th, 2017. Read more about this organization and find driving directions to Equine Aid. 

An “eggcellent” time awaits families living in Snohomish at the 37th Annual Snohomish Easter Parade. Taking place on Saturday, April 15th at 11 a.m. the parade travel down Snohomish streets giving a “Salute To Spring”. From farm animals to floats, bands to beauties, there will be plenty of entertainment for everyone.

Locals living in Snohomish join in the fun. The annual Easter Bonnet Contest will be in full swing with residents decked out in their most creative hats. Taking place at the Historical Society's Waltz Building, contestants of all ages are welcome and pets can even play too. Winners receive inspiring prizes. All participants are invited to ride in the parade on the Chamber Bonnet Float.

The Eggstravaganza lasts all day. Youngsters are ready to hunt colorful eggs. A traditional egg roundup is hosted by the Snohomish Faith Church at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Those seeking extra adventure can seek their eggs underwater at the Snohomish Aquatic Center. Three time slots are open for swimmers at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. The Easter Bunny himself will be hopping around all day. Youngsters can pose for pictures with the spirited rabbit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Find out more about the Easter Parade and the day’s other fun activities.

Bring great books and movies back to your Monroe property after visiting the Monroe Library for one of the many events this week. There is something for every age and a variety of activities for a number of interests. Storytimes are available for babies on Tuesday, April 11th, toddlers on Wednesday, April 12th, and preschoolers on Thursday, April 13th all starting at 10:30 a.m. Bring your little one to the library for songs, books, activities, playtime, and crafts. This is a great way to foster an early love for reading.

Teens and tweens have several options this week as well. Tweens can come in on Thursday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. to make their own stop motion animation movie with Clay Animation Network! Participants will take photos of LEGO® pieces with iPads and also edit the video and add sound. Teens in grades 9-12 have two options on Wednesday, the League of Legends Club from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Junior Monroe Wednesday Writers from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Adults are invited to enjoy some time away from their Monroe property at the library for The Monroe Book Club from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday and the Socrates Cafe on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone looking to practice their English can come for Conversation Cafe on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon. Visit the Monroe Library to find contact information and the current calendar of events.

Spring is in the air and residents living on Lake Stevens real estate are getting active. A variety of classes and activities are energizing and start in the month of April. Through the Lake Stevens School District there are plenty of ways to get busy.

Opportunities await adults seeking to improve fitness or stay in shape. Shoot some hoops in Over 18 co-ed Basketball or Over 40 Basketball groups. Adult co-ed volleyball switches up teams on a regular basis. Water Aerobics loosens up joint and increases flexibility. Regular sessions make it easy to commit and keep up. Team sports are great for socializing too.

Good dogs make great pets. Lessons in good behavior are offered in the beginner and intermediate levels. Let instructor Kim Dailey show you that you can actually teach an old dog new tricks.

Music is magical, adding color to the world, shifting moods, and inspiring creativity. Elevate Music Together is a program designed to introduce the wonder of music to youngsters. This early childhood program focuses on children five years old and younger and their parents.

Locations vary. Lake Stevens real estate residents can find more information and register for specific classes through the Lake Stevens School District website. Get involved today. You will be glad you did. 

Step by step Snohomish home owners help kids with Autism. Lace up your running shoes and head to Willis Tucker Park on April 8th at 9:30 a.m. for the 3rd annual Run to Pieces in support of Autism. The 5k chip timed run and/or walk is planned for the day to raise funds for Autism research and awareness. The park’s amphitheater sets the scene for the starting point and finish line. A course of three miles contains uphill and downhill terrain designed to keep things interesting.

Little joggers living in Snohomish can stretch their legs too. The Kids Dash is perfect for youngsters to get into the spirit of things and have some fun. Their turn on the track is scheduled for 10:45 a.m.

A lively yet gentle vibe will surround the race. Music sensitive to special needs children will be playing on the stage sound system. Racers with strollers are more than welcome to participate, but are asked to stay to the left of the racing path.

Autism spectrum disorder affects roughly 1 out of 70 children. Most families living in a Snohomish home know someone or of someone that is touched by this disease. Reach out and support the autism community, and feel great knowing that you are helping a child in need. Proceeds gathered during the 5K benefit UW Autism Center's Family Scholarship Fund. This worthwhile organization maintains a mission of assisting families in obtaining an official diagnosis.

Register online or earlier on race day in person. Get ready to Run to Pieces. 

Residents living in Lake Stevens are ready for the annual Spring Sprints Regatta. An eagerly anticipated event, the regatta takes place on Lake Stevens April 8th and 9th. Rowers always look magnificent on the water and are a sight to behold. Sponsored by the Lake Stevens Rowing Club, events are planned for both youth and adult athletes. A 2000 meter course is set to be conquered by youth/open on Saturday, while a 1000 meter course is scheduled for masters/open on Sunday. 

Found at the foot of Mt. Pilchuck and with the Cascade Mountains serving as a backdrop, Lake Stevens is stunning. As the largest lake in Snohomish County, many families living in Lake Stevens regularly journey lakeside for a good time. The Lake Stevens Rowing Club welcomes all ages, and offers a multitude of rowing instruction to those wishing to learn. Lessons are designed for children as young as twelve years of age and adults as well. Visit Lake Stevens Rowing Club for tore information about rowing programs. 

Come and watch the rowers glide across the lake or get out on the water yourself. Enrollment for the Spring Sprint Regatta is going on now. The deadline for entering is on April 1, 2017. An official schedule of events and times will be posted on April 5th.