Federal Way Farmers Market

South 324th St. and Pacific Highway South, Federal Way
http://www.federalwayfarmersmarket.com  

Official Poster by Jo Ann Hawkins

Is there anything not to love about a farmers market? They bring people in the community together to shop, eat, and, in the case of the FW market, occasionally watch fire fighters and cops duel over chili. Similar to the mall (and in its parking lot, no less) but with fewer teenagers on cell phones and more organic produce and handmade bird houses, the Farmers Market is downtown Federal Way. Every Saturday from May through October, it brings the town together, which can be a rare thing in a strip mall community. They have a great collection of vendors - you can often buy free range eggs and bacon, scads of seasonal produce, flowers, honey, arts and crafts, plus visit food carts that span barbecue to lumpia to cinnamon rolls. There is sometimes a bounce house and giant inflatable slide and always a master gardener on site in case you're a gardening bonehead, like I am. The other great thing about the Federal Way Farmers Market is the variety of events they have throughout the season. This year, we can look forward to Hawaiian day, several swap meet/garage sale days, a classic car show, a pie contest and of course, the always popular FWFD vs. FWPD Chili Cook-Off. This opening weekend coincides, as it does every year, with the Mother's Day Buds and Blooms Tour. In addition there is a fun run slated for later in the season and rumors of a new weekday evening time slot, as well as the normal Saturday time. Be sure to stop by to check it out this summer during open hours, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and support this great part of our community.