Vote for Bellevue and Crossroads Farmers Markets in National Contest

The and the can get some regional and national love, as the American Farmland Trust runs its fourth annual America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.

Customers can vote for their favorite farmers market in this contest, which aims to promote the role that farmers markets play in keeping family farmers on the land, according to the contest website. Voting ends Sept. 3.

As part of the contest, a $1,000 Farmers Market Inspiration Award, sponsored by the Farmers Market Coalition, will be presented to a farmer showing the greatest dedication to his/her market, according to the website.

American Farmland Trust advocates for protection of farmland, promotion of sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land. 

Fans of both the Crossroads market and the downtown Bellevue market need not choose: people may vote for more than one market (though they may only vote once for each market), according to the contest website.

Go to www.votemyfarmersmarket.org to vote.

If you go

: every Tuesday from noon to 6:30 p.m.,  shopping center. The 2012 Crossroads Farmers Market will run from May 29 to Oct. 2.

: every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., , 1717 Bellevue Way NE. The 2012 Bellevue Farmers Market will run from May 10 to Oct. 11.

: every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., , 752 108th Ave NE. The market will run from from June 2 to Nov. 17.