By Nancy Covert
First school district in the region, first territorial jail, first public library—you get the idea—Steilacoom is BIG on marking milestones. The old church bell behind the Bair Store is another local tradition, and when it chimes out at 3 p.m. on June 12, that means the Farmers Market is officially open for its 2013 season.
Beginning June 12 and continuing through Aug. 28, The Market in Steilacoom marks its Fifth Season. From 3-7 p.m. on the Town Tennis Court, across the street from Bair Drug and Hardware, vendors’ tents will sprout like white mushrooms, with a variety of merchandise from fresh flowers, seasonal produce, and meats to jewelry, plus recipe tips for meals using the day’s specials. Best of all is the market’s proximity to the spectacular Puget Sound view that first attracted town founders Lafayette Balch and John Chapman. Learn more about these men and their dreams for their “town on the Sound” at the Steilacoom Historical Museum, at 1801 Rainier St. that’s open during the Market.
After an afternoon of shopping, there’s the additional “lure” of an hour-long concert in the Park at the Anderson Bandstand. The Town’s popular Concerts in the Park begin at 6:30 p.m. the following week, June 19.
Market manager Laura Johnson says that ready-to-go dinners to enjoy at the Concert are available from some prepared food vendors.
See you at the Market!