On Saturday, August 17, 1907, several farmers brought wagons filled with their produce to the corner of First Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle. The response by local citizens, outraged by the skyrocketing price of vegetables, was overwhelming; the farmers sold out before noon. And so began the Pike Place Public Market, the grand dame of Seattle’s now-thriving farmers’ market scene.
On Friday, August 17, 2007, the city celebrated the Market’s centennial. There were special centennial events: horse-drawn wagons bringing produce into the Market’s brick streets, bands playing, children decorating onions and racing cars built on zucchini chassis. More marvelous to me were the people participating in daily events of the Market, going on concurrently with the birthday celebration: waiting in line for humbows from Mee Sum Pastry or croissants at Le Panier, listening to the piano player at his regular corner, and buying fruits, vegetables and glorious flowers directly from the producer.
For more on the history of Pike Place Market, take a look at HistoryLink’s essay.
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Great shot! I’m sorry I missed it.
Great post! Can’t wait to greet you on Friday!
I visited Pike Place when I went to Seattle for my birthday, loved its charm, happy bday Pike Place! Lovely picture.
Well- it was crowded enough today- not sure I could have taken the Friday crowds. It is a wonderful mix of tourism and really being a market of plenty. We bought some odds and ends for our camping trip- including some gorgeous smoked salmon and cheeses for “happy hour.” Watched the fish throwing. I would have waited two days in the long line for those delectable tiny donuts coming out of the machine and fat but Michele had the good sense to pull me away…can’t wait to see you next Friday!