“Market will remain open late featuring live music, children’s activities and the ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign.”

Vancouver’s Farmers Market will pick up the celebration while the Vancouver Reserve will go dark as it prepares for a return of the fireworks in 2010. Esther Short Park will be the place to bring the family for a day of festivities including music and children’s activities.

“The objective of this free event is to provide Vancouver Farmers Market (VFM) patrons a family oriented day at the park to celebrate our nation’s birthday,” says Debbie Whitman, VFM president. “The market will remain open until 8 pm, with musicians on the stage in Esther Short Park.”

The market will open at its regular time while events on the stage in the park will begin at 10:00 am until 8 pm; groups include The Slim Jim’s, Ruby Hill, Johanin, Shadows Awake, Mother Joseph and the Altar Boys, Fadin by Nine, The Thirsting, There She Goes and the Portland duo ‘the Maries”.

At 4:30 PM the Safe and Sound campaign, a national benefit for our nation’s wounded veterans and their families, will present two national artists who have donated songs for the project. Former American Idol finalist Lana Phillips, whose debut duet with Willie Nelson is the corner stone of the ‘Safe and Sound’ Campaign and singer song writer Natalie Pinkis, who has just completed recording her first album with famed producer Bob Johnston.

Throughout the day the Market will have a variety of non-profit organizations in the park sharing how they give back to our community. Grab your lawn chairs and the entire family for this wonderful day of celebration.

For further details on Vancouver Farmers Market please contact Debbie Whitman 360.737.8298. For more information on the ‘Safe and Sound’ Benefit Campaign please contact Don Campeau 818.744.2594 or Jim Mains 360.513.8529.