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Thursday is one of the busiest days of my week, from sunrise to sunset and then some. Yet I carve out time for the magic that starts early in the morning and lasts until late afternoon every Thursday on Broadway in downtown Tacoma at the beloved Broadway Tacoma Farmers Market, an impromptu pedestrian foot mall that has sprung up for last 21 years.

Among other positive qualities, a touch of street fair vibe hangs in the air at the Broadway Tacoma Farmers Market, and I always get a giggle out of watching kids as they spy the balloon guy. Each Thursday is a mini-reunion with friends and acquaintances; hugs and laughs abound. Last week I ran into the always-kind Morgan Alexander, owner of Amocat Cafe and a fellow market fan. "The pretzel booth is my favorite. They're not here today, so my instant new favorite of the day are the mini doughnuts," he told me. Alexander's positive attitude epitomizes the Broadway Farmers Market.

To read Jennifer Johnson's full review click here.

[Broadway Farmers Market, Thursdays through Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.,  Broadway between South 9th and 11th Street, Tacoma]