The Federal Way Farmers Market is preparing to open for the season Saturday, May 1.

This year’s markets feature upwards of 40 vendors ranging from flowers and plant sellers to delicious eats and fresh baked treats, said Rose Ehl, event director of the Federal Way Farmers Market.

Community members are invited to visit the market and enjoy the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 1. The market is located behind The Commons mall along S. 324th Street in Federal Way.

“I feel excited that we have some new, fresh ideas and some exciting plans and new people involved,” Ehl said.

Due to ongoing construction at The Commons mall, which is renovating the former Sears building, the farmers market is being relocated to the south side of the mall along S. 324th Street, said Charles Sullivan, the mall’s general manager.

The current construction is to accommodate a new grocery tenant that is looking to open later this year, although “at this time, we cannot disclose who the tenant will be or when an announcement will be made,” he said.

Layout of the market’s vendors will be similar to the 2019 rows, instead of last year’s single, one-direction loop that was structured for COVID-19 protocols, Ehl said. Masks are required to be worn by all market visitors, vendors and volunteers, and market booths will be spaced 6 feet apart.

Returning this year are meals made on-site by vendors such as Federal Way’s KC Deez BBQ, Puerto Ensenada tacos, fresh-made mini doughnuts and new hot dog vendor, Gypsey Doggs.

Fan-favorites to be found at the market include Pepa’s Lumpia, kettlecorn, fudge and fresh seasonal flowers. Other items for purchase include a variety of hummus flavors, salsa, pickled vegetables, soaps, panini sandwiches, espresso and Italian sodas, handcrafted decorations and artwork, dog treats, knife sharpening, and more. Live music will also be featured in a socially-distanced manner.

The Federal Way Farmers Market is also partnering with ShopLocalFedWay.com to highlight various businesses in the city, beginning with a health and fitness day showcase May 15.

Several upcoming events are planned for the market season as health and safety guidelines allow, such as the Taste of Federal Way in September and a Halloween costume contest in for October.

Beginning the first week of June, the market will also host Federal Way’s Got Talent contest each week. Toward the end of the summer, winners from each of the weekly contests will compete for a cash prize and an opportunity to perform at the Taste of Federal Way. More details about the contests will be available in the coming weeks.

Check it out

The market is still seeking volunteers to help with setup, vendor check-ins and more. If interested, email Rose Ehl at federalwayfarmersmarketevents@yahoo.com.

The Federal Way Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from May 1 through October at 1701 S. 324th Street in Federal Way.

Olivia Sullivan/staff photos Above, Taste of Federal Way 2019. Below, flowers at the farmers market in 2019.