Pike Place Market

In 1907, Seattle was not lacking in farm to market fruit or vegetables. Unfortunately, neither was Seattle lacking business men of such greed, that their escalating mark-up for fruit and vegetables made it near impossible for the poor and even working class to purchase them. However, such greed has a way of turning against its masters when the master becomes too demanding. And so it was, for, on August 17, 1907, cutting out the greedy middle-man and his exorbitant mark-up prices, a secret residential revolt occurred. Without the knowledge of ruthless businessmen, an open-air market was planned and a meeting location arranged. Rumor has it that 100’s upon 100’s of locals crowded around nine farmer’s wagons and within a few hours, had purchased all of the fruits and vegetables available. Thus, the Pike’s Place Farmer’s Market was born, and the middle man, consumed by his greed, lost his footing.

The community revolt occurred over 100 years ago, and June of 2007, this success was celebrated with a birthday fair like none other. Taking center stage, and kicking off the celebration of the Pike’s Place Market Street Fair were 100 pig sculptures created by local artists, paraded through the market. The fiberglass pigs were meant to emulate the infamous marketplace bronze pig bank named Rachel. Rachel represents the not-for-profit group, Market Foundation, which provides oversight of the Market. From June 2nd through the 3rd, the Pike’s Place Market Arcades celebrated by having a festival on Centennial street. This part of the celebration included beer and whine gardens, live music, arts, crafts, and of course awe inspiring chef demonstrations. The remainder of the celebration time included events such as lecture series, and the Centennial Berry Bash.

As a final tribute to the Market’s 100th anniversary, a birthday party was held, August 17, which included concerts and fireworks galore. By why celebrate such a market? It’s just a farmer’s market, right? Wrong! The Pike’s Place Market Arcade is one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States that has remained in continuous operation since its inception. It has become a landmark in Seattle, with an estimated 10 million visitors a year. Sitting on only seven acres, filled with a multitude of vendors, it is located in a neighborhood of upscale condos overlooking Elliot Bay, and also five complexes of subsidized housing.

The market also is also home to a health-care clinic, several child-care organizations, senor care organizations, several social services agencies and a food-bank. With all of the business mix and different socioeconomic groups, one would think such an environment would be a disaster in the making. However, the exact opposite is true.

The Market is considered as one of the 10 greatest neighborhoods in America. This conclusion is drawn despite the multitude of variations in culture and socioeconomic class, simply because the neighborhood is highly functional, livable, and by all means one of the more memorable places to see. With all the prestige, one would think the market would be upscale and leading in technology, much like modern supermarkets where consumers can rush in, grab what they want and go. However, this is exactly all that the Market is not. It is built for predominantly pedestrian traffic, slowly perusing each vendor’s goods, and enjoying the surrounding ambiance. The shopper is surrounded by such diversity of opportunity to consider purchases of leather goods, jewelry, fruits, candies, antiques, ethnic crafts, baked goods, vegetables, fish and endless other concessionaire products, a new comer could easily become overwhelmed. However, one can easily be refreshed after a hot cup of espresso, at the very first-ever opened Starbucks Coffee.

Whether one makes Pike’s Place Market their home grocer, or one is just visiting, there can be no disappointment in all that is available at the Market. With entertainment such as employees skillfully tossing salmon to one another, the intriguing neon clock, a dazzling bronze pig Rachel, 200 commercial business that remain open year round, 120 farm vendors, 190 plus craft vendors and over 240 performers and musicians, there is little wonder why so many travel from near and far to attend the Market.

For those seeking entertainment of a different nature, Pike’s Place Market has an engaging history, with a twisted take of being haunted by ghost. In fact, ghost tours are available to those so intrigued. Most of the ghost tales are stories presented by those who have actually worked in the markets or have lived there, and claim to have see the ghosts roaming about the Arcades. Perhaps that is why the market is only open from sunup to dusk. Ghosts or not, the best things you will find at the Pike’s Place Market in Seattle, Washington is excellent prices, expansive varieties/selections, solid entertainment and neighborhood-friendly people.

Comments

[jimmy]

i have heard alot about this market; like how much selection is there, but never heard the history, vewry interesting.

[Jack]

The Pike Place Market has a lot of history associated with it. People who were a part of the historiccelebration must have been very lcky enough to witness a history being created. I wish I could be a part of that historic event, but unfortunately couldn't be a part of it.

[sni]

Nice site really good.

[dfi]

i have heard alot about this market; like how much selection is there, but never heard the history, vewry interesting.

[turi]

i have heard alot about this market; like how much selection is there, but never heard the history, vewry interesting.

[kun]

The Pike Place Market has a lot of history associated with it. People who were a part of the historiccelebration must have been very lcky enough to witness a history being created. I wish I could be a part of that historic event, but unfortunately couldn't be a part of it.

[John Donnovan]

Nothing more fun to watch than employees skillfully tossing salmon to one another!

[Rachael]

I think thats really cool! I would love to visit there.

[Rachael]

Thats really cool! I would love to visit there.

[Cecil]

I've seen the ghost, but I'll be back!

[Nancy Schiponelli]

It just goes to prove, that when folks believe they are being treated fairly, and given a good value, word will get out. In this case, the buyers and sellers both got what they wanted.

[Allison]

I have information about Pike Place Market on a couple of TV shows and it is one of many reasons I would love to visit Seattle (no market like that here in MA).

They guys throwing the fish look like a good team to watch!

[Dave Porter]

I;m glad a market like this exists. I hate having to deal with middle men.

[Diana]

The market is a great place to shop for fresh fish, produce and flowers. It is also a fun place to people watch.

There are also many notable eateries in the market. If you are in the mood for some fresh local seafood, I would try Lowells.
The potato and cheese Piroschky at Piroschky Piroschky is out of this world. You can smell the fresh scent of these traditional pastries several blocks away.

Matt's in the Market is amazing for upscale dining and fresh seafood.