Interested in supporting Fair Trade and participating in what is billed as the largest drum circle EVER? Grab your percussion instrument of choice and head on down to Market Street in Ballard on Saturday, May 9 for Fair Trade Day, a day that is celebrated in 80 countries around the world.

Market Street Traders, a local fair trade retail store and cafe in the neighborhood of Ballard, is hosting the drum circle to “Drum Up Support for Fair Trade."

Fair Trade Facts

• Almost half the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day.

• 80 percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.

• For many, the difference between poverty and prosperity can be as little as 50 cents. Adding this small amount daily can change a person's life by allowing them to have shelter, food, clean water, health care, education and hope.

• Fair trade helps people help themselves by paying a fair local wage; supporting workplaces where workers have a voice; protecting the earth with sustainable practices; providing practical support to workers; offering public accountability; respecting cultural heritage; and building direct and long-term relationships with artisans and workers the world over.

The drum circle will begin at 1 p.m. at Market Street Traders, 2016 N.W. Market St.

Rhonda lives in Ballard and is the Urban Crop Circle Project Leader for Sustainable Ballard. Questions, Comments, Ideas? You can reach her at Rhonda@sustainableballard.org.