Most would not consider the opening day of a community market to be an emotional event. But those people probably did not know Jodi Bardinelli.

Bardinelli, who died of liver cancer in December, was the previous organizer of the Kirkland Wednesday Market and her two daughters were invited to cut the ribbon to open the 2010 event March 5 at Marina Park.

“Jody was a really good friend in the farmers’ market world,” said new Kirkland Wednesday Market manager Stefeny Anderson. “I know that she would be happy about today and we are happy to continue on.”

Bardonelli was on the minds of many.

“Jody understood what was at stake,” said vendor Pericles Tarsinos, who owns Four Seasons Gourmet Foods. “I for one really appreciate that. I miss her.”

But Bardonelli’s vision for the market is being carried on by the vendors and Anderson. The event continues to be a place where the Kirkland community can support up and coming businesses, buy fresh food from local growers and learn about new foods.

“People in Kirkland love this farmers’ market,” said Anderson. “This is such a community event.”

But one of the unique things about a farmers’ markets is that the food is fresh and that consumers can often find something different to put on dining room table. That idea also goes beyond the food that is available as the market is constantly evolving, whether it is new vendors or new ideas.

Anderson said that she hopes to bring some of the successful concepts that she has installed as the manager of the Renton Farmers’ Market in Kirkland. She also has some new ideas.

I think this location is unique cause there aren’t too many farmers’ markets on the water,” said Anderson, who is also the Secretary for the Washington State Farmers’ Market Association. “I used to be a teacher and I would like to include instruction on how to cook some of the unusual foods you can find here. Give a recipe and talk about it.”

Some of the new vendors this year include Golden Glen Creamery and Perkins Roasting Co. which were both set up for business on opening day.

“We are trying to get out to as many markets as possible,” said Golden Glen Creamery employee Ayrn Cromeemes. “We have done 22 markets and are also getting the product out to co-ops and places like Whole Foods. This is a great location. Many of the farmers’ markets are just cordoned off areas of parking lots where this one flows with the park.”

But sometimes creating a buzz for a product at a farmers’ market can be what new businesses need.

“A lot of the new vendors will not start until June,” said Anderson. “The farmer’s market is a good way for businesses to get known before getting into the brick and mortar part.”

But the biggest concern for Anderson is to continue to make the Kirklanders feel at home in Marina Park every Wednesday through October.

“I am here to make this a market that the community feels welcome,” said Anderson. “I think that farmers’ markets give people an honest look at the food we eat.”

The opening ceremonies not only included the ribbon cutting, Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride rang the market’s “opening bell” and the Lake Washington High School choir, Lyrica, opened the ceremonies with the National Anthem. Many community leaders also attended the event including Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Vadino, Kirkland City Council members and Rep. Larry Springer.