Saturday is last day of season for farmers markets

The season ends Saturday for the South End’s biggest farmers markets.

South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market will end with live music on mandolin by Blaine England. Organizers said local farmers will have abundant harvest produce including winter squash, storage onions, beets, potatoes, kale and more.

The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2812 Thompson Road.

The Bayview Farmers Market will close the 2008 season with wags and witches.

Events begin at 10 a.m. when the market opens for its final day of the year. Many vendors will be dressed in Halloween costumes and offer trick-or-treat goodies for children.

The market will be selling fall fruit and produce, baked goods, food and crafts. Other market activities include an appearance by Mad Matt, who will make balloon creations for the kids.

At the Cash Store, Goosefoot will offer mask making, and there will be music by Ro Purser and Neil Brown.

Bayview Farm & Garden and the Goosefoot Community Fund are also sponsoring other activities.

The annual Mutt Strut begins with registration at 12:30 p.m. The actual parade and costume contest through the market grounds begins at 1:30 p.m.

Jim Freeman will be emcee for Mutt Strutt, which features prizes for best dog and owner costume combo, best trick, best dog costume and best celebrity dog. Saturday will also be Apple Day at Bayview Farm & Gardens where there will be an apple tasting station.