Fish tacos, Japanese food, gourmet popcorn and plants produced by students are just a few of the new selections the Federal Way Farmers Market will offer patrons when it opens for its 12th season this Saturday at The Commons mall.
“We are excited this year to have so many of our returning vendors plus new ones that will bring products and food to our market,” said Rose Ehl, the market’s events director. “We strive to make it interesting for the market customers so they see their familiar vendors that they enjoy shopping with and new vendors for their shopping and eating pleasure.”
Bands from several Federal Way high schools will kick off opening day with music from 9-10 a.m. on May 9, followed by opening ceremonies with Mayor Jim Ferrell and dignitaries from 10-11 a.m. Entertainment will be provided on stage and in the food court throughout the day until the market closes at 3 p.m.
With Mother’s Day right around the corner on Sunday, the market will also offer special items for mothers, including a drawing for a Starbucks coffee basket, free reusable shopping bags (these will be available all season long) and flower bouquets, jewelry and other gifts for sale.
The market will welcome several new additions this year, including vendors featuring new products by Nature’s Kiss and Brow Threading. New to the food court this year is the Frying Dutchman food truck that will serve up fish tacos and other delightful fish dishes, Oyatsu that will offer Japanese fare with dumplings and yakisoba noodle dishes, Freedom Snacks gourmet popcorn and Black Bear Diner will serve up a burger basket for lunch on some Saturdays throughout the season.
New vendor Fernandez Farms will also sell fresh and local vegetables and fruits.
New this year, Americorps will assist with the market’s free kids booth, sponsored by BECU. Americorps will facilitate face painting, coloring contests, activities such as hula hoops and bubbles, and will hand out stickers and bookmarks.
Also, for the first time this year, Decatur High School’s FFA students will sell the plants they produced in the school’s greenhouse. While they won’t have a booth at the market until June, Decatur students will soon offer a large variety of annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, hanging baskets and more.
“The goal is to promote local agriculture and give students opportunities to gain work experience through my classroom,” said the school’s agricultural sciences teacher Dan Tedor, who started the school’s agricultural program this year. “I can’t find a better way for students to connect to the community and educate others about the importance of agriculture — and knowing where your food comes from. Students have grown all these plants from the start and will be able to see the end product.”
All proceeds from the students’ sales will go directly back into the school program so Tedor can purchase materials for next year.
Farmers Market patrons can also expect to see some of their favorite returning vendors this season, including Jangwat Thai food, Pepas Happy Bites serving lumpias, Shaved Ice, La Moulange Bakery, Charro Azteca, Kettle Korn, Bee Kings and Always Fresh Mini Donuts.
Ehl said she’s glad that KC Deez will be back at the market serving up barbecue food, after someone recently stole the owner’s truck and trailer. She said police located the truck and trailer in Ravensdale, without any major damage.
The Federal Way Farmers Market will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 31 in the Sears parking lot at The Commons mall, 1701 S. 320th St., Federal Way. For information, visit www.federalwayfarmersmarket.com.
