Sean Gilbertson is one of the best qualified judges on the panel at next week’s Duvall Farmers Market Jam & Jelly Contest, as even fellow judge Mayor Will Ibershof would probably concede to.

Why? He’s an 8-year-old kid. The panel of judges will be scoring contestants’ jam, jelly and freezer jam entries and awarding one lucky winner with a Duvall gift certificate. When judges were selected for the event, one of the requirements was that the judge had to really love and be familiar with jam or jelly, which is how young Mr. Gilbertson got the job, as peanut butter and jam sandwiches are one of his favorite meals.

The contest is the second Market Customer Contest this year and a sweet follow-up to last week’s Salsa-bration, when local Salsa makers competed for an Ixtapa gift certificate, with entries varying from mild and sweet to hot and spicy. Let’s just say a few gallons of water were consumed during the judging!

Every Wednesday, the Duvall Farmers Market features approximately 20 vendors, with booths filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and plants, eggs, seafood, chocolates, honey, baked goods, hot food, plus a variety of hand crafted items, from jewelry and home accessories to organic dog treats and soy candles. The market even has its own resident mascot (or mascots), who “entertain” kids and adults educationally from their home in the Worm Bin at the King County Master Recycler Composter booth.

The market draws customers from Monroe to Carnation and beyond. Some come for the free live music each week, such as the Aug. 29 performance by bass player Brendan Wires, whose signature style is entrancing to watch, as he uses fingers from both hands on the fretboard to play the melody (much as a piano is played).

Other market visitors come for the free kids activities each week.

“It’s a fun way to meet your neighbors and other locals,” stated Sandee Banuelos, who visits the market with her family regularly. “Sometimes there are cooking demonstrations, and the info booth always has recipes available for the vegetable or fruit of the week, too.”

On August 29, Remlinger Chef Gary Asmus returns to the market to demonstrate a delicious jam and fruit-stuffed pork loin recipe.

The Duvall Farmers Market is located on 1st Avenue between Stephens and Stella and runs from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday through September 26. www.duvallfarmersmarket.com.