Pigs on Parade to kick off Market centennial celebration

Pigs on Parade, a procession of 100 pig sculptures to celebrate the Market's 100th birthday this year, kicks off the Pike Place Market Street Fair Saturday.

The fiberglass porkers, creatively decorated by local artists in honor of Rachel, the Market's life-size bronze piggy bank, parade from Westlake Park to the Market for display this weekend before moving to their sidewalk homes throughout downtown for the rest of the summer.

Pigs aren't the only critters joining the weekend's festivities. Dogs have their day on Sunday at the Strut Your Mutt parade through the Market, followed by competition to show off their best costumes and cleverest tricks.

The Market's fresh produce stars in cooking demos both days, with local chefs from The Herbfarm, Crave, Etta's and other restaurants sharing their favorite recipes and cooking techniques.

Rock, gospel, jazz, soul and reggae music by local bands entertain both days, with venues including a stage in the beer garden that features Northwest microbrews and views of the Olympics. "Rachel Red" Cabernet Sauvignon, blended especially for the Market centennial, will be poured in the festival's wine garden.

A Kids Zone will offer fish painting, Zucchini 500 races, chalk art and bouncy houses in Victor Steinbrueck Park.

Proceeds from the festival benefit Market Foundation social services.

The details

Hours: 10 a..m-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; chef demos 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Kids Zone 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Location: Pike Place Market, First Avenue and Pike Street, Seattle.

Cost: Admission is free, with a $1 suggested donation to support the Market's Medical Clinic, Senior Center, Preschool and Food Bank.

Pigs on Parade: Decorated fiberglass pigs parade from Westlake Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, on Pine Street to First Avenue, then on First Avenue to the main Market entrance at First Avenue and Pike Street. The pigs will be on display at the Market throughout the festival, then moved to sidewalks around the city for display through September.

Strut Your Mutt: Dogs and their people parade through the Market at 4 p.m. Sunday, followed by competition for prizes for best canine costume, dog-and-owner look-alike, group costume and clever pet tricks. Register at Victor Steinbrueck Park starting at 3 p.m.; $5/per dog includes all activities.

Getting there: From I-5 Northbound, take the Madison Street exit, turn left onto Madison Street to Western Avenue, turn right onto Western Avenue and go five blocks. From I-5 South, take the Denny Way/Stewart Street exit, follow Stewart Street to First Avenue, turn right on First Avenue, go two blocks, turn left onto Lenora Street, turn left onto Western Avenue and follow for three blocks. Market Parking Garage is on Western Avenue. For information on bus service, call 206-553-3000 or see tripplanner.metrokc.gov/.

More information : 206-682-7453 or www.pikeplacemarketstreetfestival.com.

Madeline McKenzie: mmckenzie@seattletimes.com or 206-464-8245