Last Saturday I had a stimulating conversation with two young men from France who stepped into the wine booth to taste our offerings. They were bicycling down the Pacific Coast and were spending the day in Des Moines on their way to Westport to start their journey. They definitely knew their wines and thought ours were very good. Speaking of the markets wines, we would like to say thank you to all the loyal shoppers throughout the season by selling all wines at $10 per bottle. And, you can still reach in the pot and draw out an instant door prize. Prizes include logo wear, a framed market poster, coffee mugs, water bottles and more. All proceeds go to the Market Foundation. Think Christmas gifts! Last Saturday also saw the first voucher awarded to the first person to sign up for the Healthy Eating program from the partnership between the King Conservation District and the farmers market to help feed low income seniors in our area. By the end of the day four people had registered for the program. Each qualifying senior will be given a $10 voucher each week to use at the market. [caption id="attachment_52962" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Bucking the downpour and attending the first voucher ceremony: from the left – Council Members Jeremy Nutting and Matt Pina, market assistant manager Aileen Evans, recipient Nancy S and State Senator Karen Keiser.[/caption] If you are planning on attending the Chili Cook-Off remember the tastings start at 11am thru 1pm and the cost is $5 per person which gets you samples of several different kinds of chili, sample bowl, spoon, wet nap and the chance to vote for your favorite. There is also a comment section on the back of the ballot and we would appreciate it if you would let us know how we did this season. Don’t forget to bring your new and used coats for the Kids Comfort Drive sponsored by The Des Moines Police Foundation, South King Fire & Rescue and the Rotary Club of Des Moines who are joining forces to collect coats for needy elementary and middle students in our area. If you have a coat to donate when you come to the market look for the collection can at the market’s info booth. Another “comfort drive” sponsored by the Des Moines Police Foundation, South King Fire & Rescue Aid Fund, Rotary Club of Des Moines and Walmart is overnight comfort kits that can be used when a child is displaced from a home and taken into law enforcement custody. You can help by picking up a comfort bag at the market info booth and purchasing the items on the list. Once the items are in the bag, it can be returned to any Police or Fire station in Des Moines. They will be kept for use on the night of placement to help ease the transition with a new foster family. Food Trucks: Stella Fiore Pizza, Jemil’s Big Easy Cajon, Fish Basket Music: No music this weekend as people will be making too much noise gobbling up all the wonderful different kinds of chili. Community Groups will be the kid’s all-time favorite Highline MaST, the Lions Groups of Des Moines making their first appearance and the MRHS Dance Team is holding a bake sale. Don’t forget the Senior Services Hyde Shuttle is available again this Saturday for the Chili Cook-Off. The shuttle provides door to door transportation to the market for seniors 55 and older and people with disabilities of all ages living in Des Moines, Normandy Park and Burien from 11am-2pm. To make your reservation, call 206-727-6262. Upcoming events: On October 31st check out the annual Trick or Treat Path and the Halloween Carnival for kids. The Legacy Foundation’s Bayside Brunch is on November 2nd at Anthony’s Restaurant. The 2nd Annual Squid-A-Rama is on November 8th.]]>