Help Save Patterson's Market

Living in Gig Harbor we are blessed with many unique local businesses, one of which is Patterson’s Farmers Market, located on the corner of Olympic Dr and 55th St. Patterson’s is an open-air, family-run business that Shelli Patterson and her family have nurtured and worked (oh so hard for 42 years) to create and operate a one-of-a-kind experience in our area. Gig Harbor is on the precipice of losing this gem of a business.

I am a 35-year customer of Patterson’s. My family has formed traditions there: the fall pumpkin patch, the Christmas tree lot, and The Mother's Day flower baskets. Our favorite was waiting for the June local, sweetest-ever strawberries! All summer through the fall, they provide fresh local produce. Colorful hand-painted signs and friendly service add to a welcoming atmosphere. It is an inviting, local, small-town experience one can never get at a chain grocery. Oh, did I mention the numerous young local teens she has employed over the years?

After over 42 years of hard work and perseverance through the pandemic, Patterson’s has always opened for seasonal events. This year was the exception. Patterson's was unable to open. There weren’t any Mother’s Day flowers nor June strawberries. I learned an international supplier had cashed their deposit check and ran, leaving them no inventory nor profits. Insurance did not cover international vendors. After drained savings, not qualifying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and loss of Mother’s Day sales, they are in a precarious position of losing the business they have spent a lifetime building.

I believe in “it takes a village," and with one of our hardworking families on the brink of losing everything, I set up a GoFundMe account. I hope we, as a community of good people, small-town ethics, enjoying Patterson’s over the years, would contribute. Your donation would help replenish their confiscated money to keep produce on their shelves through the summer and fall — keeping the business alive. Each dollar makes a difference and will be greatly appreciated.

 Please make a stop and visit their market. Your business is another way to help keep them open. Thank you for doing what you can.