Federal Way Farmers Market Ready for 21st Season

Opening day festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on May 11.

The Federal Way Farmers Market returns Saturday, May 11. This is the market’s 21st year and this season will feature more local farm fresh produce, fresh flower bouquets, produce, crafts, food trucks and events.

“We have around 20 new suppliers. We’re really excited about this,” said Market Manager Rose Ehl. This brings the total number of opening day vendors to around 70 this year.

The opening day will include a ceremony at 10 a.m. and will begin with a prayer led by Pastor Dan Larson of Family Life Community Church. Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and other dignitaries will also be ready to kick off the 2024 season.

The Federal Way High School band will provide music and there will be a variety of fun activities to celebrate moms this Mother’s Day. Kids can also create cards for the holidays and have their faces painted.

Garden Day is a new event taking place the following Saturday, May 18, and will feature Master Gardeners Donna and Jim Cox. The couple were featured as Citizen of the Month in the Mirror in 2016 for the community garden they helped create and maintain next to Light of Christ Church.

“They will have seeds that kids can plant in small containers” and “answers to all your master gardening questions,” Ehl said.

The event will also feature numerous vendors offering plants and gardening tools to get your garden going. Puget Sound Energy will distribute free wildflower and vegetable seed balls, and the library will be present.

Those who enjoyed attending Community Resource Day last year will be happy to know that the event is returning twice this summer. Last year, Ehl shared that 120 people signed up for CPR training hosted by South King Fire during Community Resource Day. This year, South King Fire will be back with the Federal Way Police Department and representatives from CHI Franciscan/Virginia Mason.

Federal Way’s Got Talent will also return this year with tryouts beginning June 1.

Activities for children won’t stop on opening day. Ehl said the plan is to have a dedicated children’s activity booth each week, and there is an opportunity for local businesses to sign up to host the booth.

“Businesses can register and showcase their business while also having an activity booth for kids,” Ehl said.

Ehl also shared his appreciation for the many vendors who have had booths at the market for many years and those who have started their own businesses after starting at the Federal Way Farmers Market.

Angel Vue has been a vendor since first grade and has four children who all grew up helping at the market.

“It was really cool to have her involved like that all these years,” Ehl said. Vue sells flowers and plants at the market.

Ehl also mentioned KC Deez BBQ and Peppa’s Lumpia, two local restaurants that have debuted in the market.

The Federal Way Farmers Market will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October in the Commons Mall parking lot.