Press release:

Stock up on just-picked produce, locally crafted food items and one-of-kind handicrafts at the Burien Farmers Market, which opens Thursday, May 2.

Market hours are every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 31 in Burien Town Square in downtown Burien.

A major benefit of shopping at the market is better prices for fresher food, according to Debra George, event manager for the Discover Burien Association, which operates the market. The fresh-from-the-fields fruit and vegetables are from Washington State farmers, mostly local, who sell directly to market customers.

Don’t miss new market eatables that include locally concocted Full Tilt ice cream and chocolate biscotti. Among the many returning food vendors, expect to see organic berries and other organic produce, freshly baked goods, shaved ice and hand-made dried pasta.

New this year, handcrafted wood furniture will join the line-up of unique handicrafts. Greenery will feature freshly cut flowers of all sorts and such plantable vegetation as rhododendrons and rose bushes.

Buy lunch from the market’s hotdog cart and other market vendors for a great price to eat al fresco at one of the market’s patio tables. Enjoy live music by Eric “Two Scoops” Moore from noon to 3 p.m.

Buskers are sought to perform live music from 3 to 6 p.m. for tips, and they may also sell their CDS. Check-in at the yellow Discover Burien tent is required before busking.

The Seattle Humane Society MaxMobile will park at the market on the second Thursday of each month for on-the-spot adoption of loving pets.

Market customers may make their purchases with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, debit cards, WIC or EBT cards. Some vendors accept credit cards directly. Otherwise, shoppers can use debit, credit or EBT cards by purchasing market tokens at the Discover Burien Association booth. Debit and credit tokens can be spent like cash with the majority of the market’s 40-plus vendors. The nonprofit Discover Burien will not charge a fee for debit card use.

Discover Burien is a nonprofit organization that works on Burien’s economic development, promotion and education.

Sponsored primarily by Prudential Northwest Realty Associates, LLC, the market will be situated on Fifth Place Southwest off Southwest 152nd Street in Burien Town Square. For more information, call 206-433-2882 or go online to www.discoverburien.com.