The Auburn Internatinal Farmers Market (AIFM) plans to continue with the grand opening on schedule.

A gala celebration will occur on Sunday morning, June 14, at the Sound Transit Station Plaza in downtown Auburn. There will be city officials from Algona, Auburn and Pacific to kick off the inaugural market day.

In addition, the committee is planning many special events. The ringing of a historical Valley Bell will open the market at 11 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. The market will be open the same time each Sunday thereafter through Sept. 27.

Recently, the City of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department assumed responsibility for the operation of the market from the initial steering committee volunteer group. This city involvement will provide market sustainability, both in downtown revitalization and providing farm fresh produce back into a once-farming community.

A market manager has been hired to continue the planning and run the day-to-day market activities. The market manager is Lillie Brinker who comes from the Kent Farmers Market. Brinker is well qualified and brings with her an abundance of market knowledge and enthusiasm.

The market has indeed grown since its inception in August 2007. The current vendors are at 35 and still growing. The vendor mix will include fruits, vegetables, breads, flowers and some crafts to name a few.

Along with the city structure of the market, Mayor Pete Lewis is forming an AIFM Advisory Board. The Mayor appoints the board positions and City Council approves same. Anyone interested can apply to the mayor’s office for the Advisory Board.

In addition, volunteers who love a hometown market and have a desire to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the Sunday market activities, are welcome to support this 16-week season event. If interested, please contact Brinker at 253-266-2726 or e-mail at lbrinke@auburnwa.gov.

Reach City Councilman Bill Peloza at 253-939-1478 or bpeloza@auburnwa.gov