The Beaverton Farmers Market is back for its 26th year, and is kicking-off market season on Saturday, May 11 at 8 am with several new services, vendors, and activities:

Sit-n-Stay dog sitting service: Pet-free markets no longer mean your best friend has to stay at home. For a small donation, this new pet-sitting service will take care of Fido for a great cause (proceeds benefit Home Plate in Washington County).

"Local Liquid" on demand: A program new to the market, and the first of its kind in Oregon, designates a special sample, sip and dine area created to highlight Oregon’s craft distillers, brewers, and winemakers. Look for bottles for sale from Big Bottom Whiskey, Bull Run Distilling, Captured by Porches Brewing, Eastside Distilling, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Northwest Natural Spirits, House Spirits, Vinn Distillery, and more.

New vendors: In addition to 100+ returning farmers, ranchers, fishers, and artisans, several new food-hawkers will join the Beaverton Market Family. This year, shoppers will find goods from Kim Boyce of BakeShop, Don Filipe Tolucan-style chorizo, Portland Juice Press, Kuy’s Cambodian Sauces, Briar Rose Creamery, Ken & June's Hazelnuts, Little Localvore baby food, Dancing Light Lavender Farm, Paradise Nurseries featuring native flora, and more.

Kids can cook, too: The market's popular kids program “Market Sprouts” will expand its activities this year, with more hands-on activities and scavenger hunts to help young people explore where their fruits, vegetables, meats, and artisan products come from.

For more Farmers Market fun, check our list of 2013 neighborhood farmers market opening dates and the Portland Monthly Insider's Guide to Farmers Markets, complete with shopping tips for local market from Hillsdale to Hollywood.