What a difference a week makes in the weather this time of year. Last Saturday saw lots of sun and this coming market looks to be sunny and in the 80’s. I talked with a lot of people coming thru Sea-Tac on their way to Alaska cruise ships and wanted to pick up a bottle of the market wines to take back home. The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market was the first in the state to sell WA state spirits. Zane Seely and Charlotte Gilbert of kkAda Caramel Liqueur had a great time introducing their product to the patrons that stopped by for a sample. Zane commented “if people taste a sample of our product, 9 times out of 10 they will purchase it. We had a wonderful time and the market people were very helpful in helping us get started in our first farmer’s market sales event. We definitely will be back next week.” [caption id="attachment_56206" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Zane, Charlotte, Bonnie & Scott Wilkins purchasing the first sale of spirits in Washington State at a Farmers Market.[/caption] This Saturday is huge, with our annual Kids Back to School/Safety Day with lots of extras. Among them is the Field Day Fun Event which includes a 5K race, field day festivities, fun for the whole family, and the healthiest goody bag in town – it even includes tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables! Registration is now open online and in-person at the Market Information Booth. Also happening is the last Food Truck-In of the season including Charlie’s, CurbJumper, Fusion on the Run, Hallavel Falafel, Mini the Dough Nut, Nibbles, Nosh, Peasant Food Manifesto, & Stella Fiore Pizza. Community Groups: MaST, Mount Rainier Pool, Food too good to waste, Des Moines Gospel, Des Moines Elementary PTSA, a Scout Troop and Waterland Crossfit. Also the program Fill the Bus Diaper Drive will be taking donations of all sizes of diapers. Sponsors: Stop by the Seattle Southside Visitor Services booth for area information, maps, restaurant recommendations and free post cards and visitor guides. The Visitor Center staff will be on hand to let you know about the exciting upcoming events in our region. Have guests traveling from out of town and need ideas on how to entertain them? They can help! Music: 3 Guys Band (formerly Salt Water Saints) Seniors, don’t forget the weekly free $10 voucher from the healthy eating initiative program. For qualifying seniors this program is brought to you by partners, the Des Moines Farmers Market and King Conservation District. The vouchers are good for fruits, vegetables and processed food products (bakery items, etc). If you know someone who may qualify, please have them come to the information booth to sign up. The last Clutter to Cash Sale this season is coming up on September 19th. Stop by the information booth or go online to complete an application to send in. Remember space is limited so sign up soon. With fall in the air, the smell of beans & sauce simmering comes to mind and our annual Chili Cook-Off. If you think you have the best chili recipe around, pick up an application at the information booth or go online to download the application. There is room for only 10 teams this year, so get in gear! Also, don’t forget HYDE Shuttle is providing local door to door transportation to the market to seniors 55 and older and people with disabilities of all ages living in Des Moines, Normandy Park, Burien and this year Sea-Tac. For a ride call 206-727-6262. Upcoming Events:
- September 19th Clutter to Cash Sale
- September 26th Take Back Your Drugs & You Shred It
- October 31st 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off