‘Tis the season for fresh flowers, locally grown produce,  fresh herbs, baked goods, arts, crafts, locally made wines and so much more. Here are some of our favorite Farmers’ Markets. Did we miss one? Email us or post a comment here. We’d love to add it to the list!

Auburn Farmers Market
June 9 – Sept. 22
Sundays, 10 am – 3 pm
Auburn Sound Transit Plaza, 23 A St. SW, Auburn

40+ vendors gather to offer fresh, locally grown, farm-based foods, hand-crated items and on site dining. The market also includes entertainment, guest chef demos, children’s activities and more.

Burien Farmer’s Market
May 2 – Oct. 31
Thursdays, 11 am to 6 pm
SW 152nd St. and Burien Town Square Park

40-50 vendors weekly with farm fresh products, food booths, and fresh-baked goods. More updates on Facebook.

Des Moines Waterfront Farmer’s Market
June 1 – Oct. 26
Saturdays, 10 am – 2 pm
22307 Dock St.
Des Moines, WA  98198

Now at the north end of the marina. Produce, flowers, plants, food court, arts & crafts and more.

Federal Way Farmers Market
May – October
Saturdays, 9 am to 3 pm
The Commons Mall (1928 S. Commons) in Sears parking lot

Fresh fruits and vegetables from Washington growers, fresh cut flowers, bakery products, local crafts, snacks, special events, etc.

Gig Harbor – Uptown
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (open now)
Uptown Shopping Center
4701 Pt. Fosdick Drive. (next to Galaxy 7)
Gig Harbor

The Gig Harbor Farmers Market offers fresh flowers, produce, plants, baked goods, food, handmade crafts, expert advice from master gardeners, a kids’ tent, free guitar lessons with Billy Farmer, live entertainment, and much more.

Gig Harbor- Downtown
Sundays and Wednesdays, 11 am – 4 pm (starting in June)
Skansie Brothers Park
3207 Harborview Dr.
Gig Harbor, WA

The Gig Harbor Farmers Market offers fresh flowers, produce, plants, baked goods, food, handmade crafts, expert advice from master gardeners, a kids’ tent, free guitar lessons with Billy Farmer, live entertainment, and much more.

Kent Farmer’s Market
June 1 – Sept. 28, 2013
Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm
Town Square Plaza, corner of Harrison and Smith Streets
Downtown Kent, WA 98032

Across from the Kent Library. Run by Kent Lions’ Club. Produce, flowers, food vendors, local artisans and more.

Maple Valley Farmers’ Market
June 15 – October 5
Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm
Rock Creek Elementary School, 25700 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd. SE, Maple Valley

80+ vendors with farm grown produce, dairy products, meats, honey, homemade jams, oils, pasta, etc.

Olympia Farmers Market
April – October
Thursday – Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm
November – December
Saturday & Sunday
700 N. Capitol Way, Olympia, WA
360-352-9096

Fresh, organic produce, Washington fresh fruits, meats, fish, clams & oysters, herbs, eggs, cheeses, local art, live entertainment and more.

Orting Valley Farmers MarketJune 21 – October 30
Fridays, 3 – 7 p.m.
Corner of Hwy. 162 (Washington) and Calistoga, Orting, WA
360-893-4359

Local farmers and growers offer fresh produce, baked goods, planters, berries and more.

Puyallup Farmers’ Market
April 13 – Oct. 10
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pioneer Park and the Pioneer Park Pavilion
330 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA

Artisans, food vendors, farmers, nonprofit organizations and others gather to sell their wares and tell their stories. Also live entertainment and special events.

Renton Farmer’s Market
June 4 – Sept. 24, 2013
Tuesdays, 3 – 7 p.m.
The Piazza, Corner of S. 3rd and Burnett Ave.
Downtown Renton, WA

In addition to the usual farmer’s market fare, the Renton Farmer’s Market offers Taste of Renton, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities. See the market’s website for an entertainment schedule and highlights.

Steilacoom
June 12 – Aug. 28
Wednesdays, 3 – 7 p.m.
Corner of Lafayette & Wilkes Streets
Steilacoom, WA 98388

Fresh produce, meat, cheese, flowers, and a variety of specialty foods and crafts will be offered as well as prepared foods. Done in conjunction with the city’s summer concert series held at the park across the street.

Tacoma Farmers Markets

6th Avenue Market
May-September
Tuesdays, 3 – 7 pm
6th Ave. and N. Pine St.

Local farm products, specialty foods, handcrafted wares, outdoor dining and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Broadway Market
May-October
Thursdays, 10 am – 3 pm
S. 9th St. and Broadway

Washington farmers, fisherman, nurserymen, bakers, cheese makers, specialty food products, artisans and more gather for the Broadway market every Thursday from May through October.

South Tacoma Market
April-September
Sundays, 11 am – 3 pm
MetroParks STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St.

This Sunday market is offered in cooperation with MetroParks to bring fresh, local food to Tacoma including local fruits and vegetables, flowers, meats, baked goods, specialty food items, handcrafted art and more.

Did we miss a farmer’s market? Did we make a mistake? Please email us and we will make the needed updates. Thank you!

Kent Farmer’s Market:  June 1 – Sept. 28, 2013

The Farmer’s Market returns to Kent on Sat., June 1. Sponsored by the Kent Lions’ Club, the market is held each Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm in the Town Square Plaza Park at 2nd and Harrison Streets. The market includes fresh produce from local farmers, fresh cut flowers and herbs, arts and craft vendors, food booths and more.

For more information, contact the Kent Lions Club at 253-852-5466.

Coming soon:  Kent Cornucopia Days, July 11-14, 2013. Visit KCDays.com for more info.

• Classic Car and Motorcycle Show – NO ENTRY FEES
• RV Tour and Scavenger Hunt
• Stuff the RV Fundraiser for American Troops*
• Propane sale ($2.19/gallon)
• Seal Tech Inspection Seminar
• Product Raffles
• Free Lunch
• Free Goodie Bags
• Dinghy Towing Seminar
• Cash prizes for winners of the the car show

*Stuff the RV:  This event is a local fundraiser to collect donations to send care packages to troops stationed overseas. For each donation you bring, you’ll receive a raffle ticket.

Items needed:  non-perishable food, hygiene products, letters of encouragement and support, books, magazines and games

Treat your mom this Mother’s Day with afternoon tea at Sweet Themes Bakery (317 W. Meeker St.) in downtown Kent. The bakery will open on Sun., May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m., so moms and their guests can enjoy a lovely afternoon with savory snacks (quiches, tea sandwiches, croissants), sweet treats (chocolate dipped strawberries, fruit tartlets, sugar cookies), and an assortment of refreshing beverages including Harney & Sons teas, lavender lemonade and cucumber and mint-infused water.

$35 adults, $25 for kids 12 and under

Space is limited, so reservations are required. Call 253-981-4999 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 9 am – 5 pm and Sat. 9 am – 2 pm) to reserve your spot today!

Children’s Therapy Center and Their Dynamic Partners Set $250,000 Goal for
25^th Annual “Fun for Funds” Dinner Auction on March 23

As Dynamic Partners plans its 25^th Annual Fun for Funds Dinner Auction on March 23, organizers set an ambitious goal to raise $250,000. Net proceeds from the fundraiser will be allocated for the Burien Multi-Service Center, a new facility designed for the expansion of SKIP Early Intervention, Children’s Therapy Center, Dynamic Orthotic Services and SPIO Compression Orthoses. All of these organizations serve children with special needs under the Dynamic Partners’ umbrella.

The title sponsor for this year’s event is Olympic Pharmacy Healthcare Services who has generously donated $25,000 toward Dynamic Partners’ goal. With a Roaring 20s theme, this exciting event will be held on Sat., Mar. 23 at Emerald Downs in Auburn. Fun for Funds will include a cocktail party for sponsors, a plated dinner, dessert rush, a game of “heads or tails,” two silent auctions and a live auction. KOMO4 news anchor Denise Whitaker will emcee the event; Keith Robbins will serve as the auctioneer.

Among the auction items this year are tickets to Disneyland, Alaska Airline tickets, weekend getaways, winery tours, original artwork, handcrafted quilts, museum passes, restaurant gift cards and more.

Tickets for the speakeasy-themed event are $65 each and include dinner and a Roaring 20s-style cocktail. Tickets can be purchased online on the Dynamic Partners’ website. Once registered, guests will receive the special password to enter the speakeasy. To get in the spirit of the event, guests are also encouraged to dress in 1920s attire – flapper dresses, feathered headbands, pin-striped suites, fedoras, etc.

“Our annual event is a fun evening for our guests! It’s why they come back year after year,” says Jon Botten, CEO of Dynamic Partners, the parent organization for Children’s Therapy Center. “They also come back for the satisfaction of knowing they are helping children with special needs reach their full potential.”

To date, the following sponsors have signed on to support the event:  Olympic Pharmacy Healthcare Services, SPIO, Kent Station, Univar USA, Live Oak Audio Visual, Industry Sign & Graphics, Highline Graphics Production, Emerald Downs, Virtually Yourz, Moneytree, Inc., Kent Lions Club, Brantley Janson Yost & Ellison, FamilyCare of Kent, Kudasai, Miller Hayashi Architects, LLC, Cox Financial, Curran Law Firm, Hatchbacks Footwear, Inc, Haeger Orthodontics, ONEDURR Painting, Inc., The Rock Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits, The Creative Office, Whidbey Island Bank, R. L. Evans Company, Inc. and ATG Rehab.

Additional sponsors and auction item donors are still being sought. To become a sponsor or to donate, visit Dynamic Partners online or call Lois Linth, Chief Development Officer, at 253-854-5660. For more information about the event, including stories of children and families who have been helped by Dynamic Partners, visit the organization’s website.

Dynamic Partners is a consortium of organizations collaborating to help children with special needs and their family through the provision of pediatric physical, occupational, and speech language therapy, early intervention, specialized education, custom orthotics, and compression garments and parent training. The children we serve are ages birth to eighteen living in South King and Pierce counties and have a wide variety of disabling conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, strokes, and other developmental delays.  Our Dynamic Partners include Children’s Therapy Center, South King Early Intervention Program, Dynamic Orthotic Systems, SPIO Compression Garments, and Dynamic Labs.    

For more information, contact:

Lois Linth, Chief Development Officer
Dynamic Partners
10811 SE Kent-Kangley Rd.
Kent, WA  98030       
253-854-5660
lois@dynamicpartners.org
www.dynamicpartners.org

Assistant Chief Pat Lowery of the Kent Police Department reports that two baristas from Twin Peaks Espresso (24013 104th Ave. SE, Kent) were arrested Wednesday. The first, a 23 year old woman from Mountlake Terrace, was arrested for prostitution. The second was a 19 year old Lynnwood woman who was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with violation of Kent’s adult entertainment ordinance. Both women were booked at the Kent Corrections Center.

According to the press release, Kent PD’s Special Investigation Unit began investigating the espresso stand in October after reports that female employees were exposing themselves and committing lewd acts for customers are the drive-through window. The women were paid in tips that ranged from $10 to $25. Using site surveillance and drive through contacts, the SIU identified a number of baristas who were participating in the illegal behavior. Detectives also reviewed the business practices of other “bikini barista” stands throughout Kent to ensure their compliance with local ordinances.

Assistant Chief Lowery said, “These arrests do not signal the end of this investigation.”

Additional employees are likely to be charged. If you have information that could assist the police, or if you have any questions, contact Assistant Chief Lowery at 253-856-5833.

Do you have a favorite beauty salon, spa or chiropractor? This is your chance to vote for the very best volunteers, professionals, coffee shops and bakeries in Kent. Visit the Kent Reporter online to complete your ballot and for a chance to win a Kent Station gift card! Voting ends at 4 p.m. on April 3, 2013, so vote today!

Folks at the City of Kent and local volunteers are busy planning another fun You We Me, an interactive evening of free family fun. This year’s event will be held at ShoWare Center on Fri., Mar. 1 and will feature a variety of activities for kids of all ages. In addition to collecting food for the Kent Food Bank, event highlights include:

• 44 interactive vendor booths
• Bike raffle from Redline Bikes
• Radio Disney
• Sports competitions
• Face painting, hands on activities, games
• Bounce houses
• Rainier Youth Choirs
• Neely O’Brien DRUM and Red Hawk Singers
• Electronettes Drill Team and Drum Squad
• Cameron Sterling
• Kitana Turnball
• Allegro Performing Arts Academy
• Kent Elementary STOMP and Dance Team
• New Beginning Alofa Tunoa Youth Dance Group
• Kent Meridian Bridging the Seas Bollywood Group
• Kent Knights Jr. Cheer Team
• Kent Meridian Pacific Island Club
• $1 hot dogs and soda

Kent Food Bank will be on hand to accept donations of nonperishable food items. The event is organized by a cross-section of community groups, the Kent School District, Kent Parks, local youth groups, sports teams, scouts, churches, local businesses and service clubs. Come join the fun!

Photo by Jeff Heiss

UPDATED Jan. 31, 2013:  As promised, I’m going to list 365 reasons I love Kent, Washington throughout the year, one reason for every day of the year. My reasons for loving Kent may be different than yours, but the ones on mu list represent people, places or things that I continue to make Kent, Washington my home. I’d love to hear your reasons! Add them in the comments below or visit our Facebook page.

January 2013

1.  Danny Mumaugh, goalie for the Seattle Thunderbirds  (why is Danny #1? because he’s #1)

2. Reds Wine Bar, celebrating its 2nd anniversary, this wine bar is located at the GRCC end of Kent Station

3.  Kent Station, an outdoor shopping center in downtown Kent with dozens of shopping, dining and entertainment options

4.  Sweet Themes Bakery, a fabulous new bakery in downtown Kent featuring custom cookies, pastries, cakes, soups, salads, sandwiches & more

5.  Kent’s Historic District, it’s a small but quaint part of Kent that reminds us of our city’s past

6.  Greater Kent Historical Museum, a fun blast from the past in the historic Bereiter house (855 E. Smith St.)

7.  Titusville Station, located at the corner of First and Gowe in downtown Kent

8.  ShoWare Center, 2-for-Tuesday

9.  Thrift and discount stores (Value Village, St. Vincent de Paul, St. James Thrift Store, etc.)

10.  Kelly Latte’s, 24220 132nd Ave. SE, Kent, mochas, lattes, smoothies and more

11.  Tyler Alos, retired from the Seattle Thunderbirds

12.  Mud Bay, 10457 Southeast 240th Street, Kent, Jelly Bean’s favorite spot for dog food, toys & supplies

13.  Maggie’s on Meeker, one of the best breakfast spots in Kent

14.  Kent Valley Ice Centre

15.  Green River Community College, quality education close to home

16.  Teddy Bear Toss, Seattle TBirds fan “toss” their teddy bears onto the ice to be given to children in crisis

17.  Nevermind Tavern, beer, wine & hot dogs in a friendly neighborhood bar

18.  Nature’s Market, grocery store featuring organic, gluten free & other specialty items

19.  Chad Gleason, commercial realtor and community volunteer

20.  KWHS Munch Madness, Kentwood High School collected 55,000+ pounds of food for the Kent & Maple Valley Food Banks

21.  ShoWalk, free indoor winter walking, Monday & Wednesday mornings

22.  Dilettante, 514 Ramsay Way, a cafe at Kent Station serving coffee, tea, mochas, lattes, chcolates, pastries and more

23.  Kent Library, 212 2nd Ave. N., a branch of the King County Library System right in downtown Kent

24.  Luke Lockhart, Seattle Thunderbirds

25.  Airways Beer & Bistro, 320 W. Harrison St., the name says it all – beer & bistro, cozy, friendly and delicious!

26.  Murals in downtown Kent

27.  Kent Food Bank, 515 W. Harrison St., Ste. 107, feeding individuals and families in and around Kent.

28.  Bella home & garden, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent Station, beautiful home & garden store, gorgeous floral arrangements, unique gifts & more.

29.  Blanc ‘n Schwartz Salon, 207 E. Meeker St., I just love Wade, Shelby and Nicolette. Fun environment, great service, love my “new” hair!

30.  The Yellow House

31.  Grocery Outlet, 23910 104th Ave. SE, locally owned, affordable grocery shopping.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to Jeff Heiss (Jeff Heiss Painting) for donating his time, talent and photography for this project.

Updated Feb. 2, 2013 at 9:11 p.m.

Each year a number of Kent nonprofit organizations plan fundraising auctions. Here is a list of some of those events, so you can plan ahead. See one missing? Please email us so we can add it. Thank you for supporting the Kent community!

Rainier Chorale Stardust Cabaret & Silent Auction
Sat., Feb. 9
6:00 p.m.
Tickets are $65 each, or $600 for a table of 10.
More info. available online at RainierChorale.org, or call 206-835-8888.

Soroptimist International of Kent – Food, Fashions & Fun
Mar. 14, 2013
5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Fashion Show, Dinner and Silent Auction
Fund-an-Item to benefit the Genesis Project, a drop in center for women in the greater Kent area who are trying to escape the sex trafficking trade. Tickets are $50. Call event chair Adrienne Rockwell at 253.631.3372 or via email to buy tickets.

Dynamic Partners (“Fun for Funds” Dinner Auction benefiting Children’s Therapy Center, SKIP & DOS)
Sat., Mar. 23 @ Emerald Downs

Kent Chamber Gala – “Prom Night”
Fri., Mar. 29 @ ShoWare Center

Kent Rotary Auction – ESCAPADES
Sat., Apr. 27 @ ShoWare Center

Communities in Schools of Kent – Annual Fundraising Breakfast
Thurs., May 23

Relay for Life Kent
Fri., May 31 – Sat., June 1
French Field, 10020 SE 256th Street, Kent

Kent Downtown Partnership Dinner Auction
Sat., Jun. 22

Kent Youth & Family Services International Gala
Sat., Sept. 14
6 – 9 p.m.
Highline Community College Student Union

Meridian-Kent Kiwanis Club’s Casino Night
Sat., Sept. 28
6 – 10:30 p.m.
Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent

Kent Sunrise Rotary Oktoberfest
Sat., Oct. 5

Kent Food Bank Fundraising Breakfast
Fri., Oct. 11, 7:30 a.m.
Kent Covenant Church
Email Jeniece Choate for more info.

*This information is subject to change. Please confirm event dates, times and details with the organization’s event coordinators.

KDP Auction June 2010

Make a big difference in Kent small businesses by shopping locally on Sat., Nov. 24. “Shop Small” to help our local economy.  Nov. 24, right between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, marks the 3^rd annual “Shop Small” day, sponsored by American Express.  By shopping at our local small businesses or dining in local restaurants, we are helping to support our local economy and fueling possible job growth.

We can help support “Shop Small” by shopping, dining, and spreading the word.  Get out to our local Kent establishments.  It’s these “small” businesses that make a big impact in our communities. 

For more information about Shop Small, please visit Shop Small online.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ginger Passarelli (known by many as “Mama”) for a story I was writing for The Seattle Times. Since then, I’ve written several stories about Ginger, her restaurant and The Soup Ladies. She stands out as a true community hero, someone who gives selflessly of her time and talent when people need it the most. She’s passed her generous spirit on to other volunteers who are collectively known as The Soup Ladies. These women tirelessly cook and serve hot meals to emergency crews, search & rescue workers, law enforcement, fire fighters and others who help in emergency situations.

Yesterday The Soup Ladies received the donation of a retired 4×4 all-terrain vehicle to help The Soup Ladies get to rescue workers wherever they are. In a November 13 press release, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn said, “The Soup Ladies are an invaluable volunteer group here in the Pacific Northwest. I am ecstatic to play a part in securing this vehicle that will help them continue to serve our community. A big thank you goes to the Sheriff’s Office and the County Executives as well who also played a part in making this handover possible.”

Next up for The Soup Ladies:  a trip to New York City to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

Thank you, Ginger and your selfless Soup Ladies, for all you do!

Photo courtesy of King County Council

This weekend help the Greater Kent Historical Society (GKHS) elebrate with the past, while preparing for the future, at the organization’s annual dinner auction. Scheduled for Sat., Oct. 6, the dinner auction runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. The event features a silent auction, a live auction and a dessert dash. Support the local museum and the historical society’s work by purchasing a ticket for $50.00 each or reserving a table of 8 for $400.00. Call 253-854-4430 for more information.

The Greater Kent Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. GKHS operates the Kent Historical Museum in the Bereiter House (built in 1908) at 855 E. Smith St. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.

Kent Downtown Partnership is hosting a breakfast meeting for downtown Kent property owners to gather input on the city’s vision for downtown Kent. Guest speakers include architect William H. Kreager of Communita Design and Fred Satterstrom, community development director for the City of Kent. Find out what the city is looking to achieve in downtown Kent over the next 10 to 20 years.

Fri., Oct. 26, 2012
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Down Home Catering
211 First Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032

Breakfast Meeting Sponsored by Valley Bank and Hanis Irvine Prothero

RSVP to Barbara Smith at Kent Downtown Partnership at 253-813-6976.

Join Dave and the folks at Shindig Martini Bar  to welcome 2012 Skate America visitors to town. On Fri., Oct. 19, Shindig hosts The Fabulous Po’ Boys from 8 to 10 pm. No cover. Download the exclusive iLoveKent.net coupon and bring it to Shindig Martini Bar with your Skate America ticket stub to get $4 off martinis during Happy Hour, Friday – Sunday!

Shindig Martini Bar
222 First Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032
253-520-4705

Monday – Thursday:  3:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Friday:  3:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Saturday:  5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Join local businesses next Wed., Oct. 3 at ShoWare Center at the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s “Find It In Kent” Business Showcase.

ShoWare Center
625 W. James St.
Kent, WA 98032

Wed., Oct. 3, 2 – 7 p.m.

Business Expo, 2 – 7 p.m.
“Taste of Kent,” 5 – 7 p.m.

More details at Kent Chamber website or call 253-854-1770.