The Downtown Farmer’s Market is really, truly a special thing here in Tacoma.

To be quite honest, it’s one of the reasons that I accepted a job here as a PR Bitty for the City.

There are two vendors that I’ve been happy to wait in line for.

My favorite is the shaved ice/tiny doughnut stand. A dozen doughnuts for lunch should be illegal, and I take advantage of that every time.

The second is Infinite Soups. This soup kitchen is dishing up 24 soups that rotate on a regular basis at 445 Tacoma Ave. S. Infinite Soups’ farmer’s market stand features about 10 of its delectable comforts, but I encourage you to get there early. By 12:30 p.m., several of the good ones have already been 86d from their blackboard.

Just like the rest of the masses, I also frequent Mexican pizzas and the chicken satay.

After getting the edible decisions out of the way, I like to pull up a piece of concrete and listen to whatever musician is performing at the Theater on the Square.

But I wouldn’t be speaking the truth about the market if I didn’t give a shout out to Kira Doley. This sweet little soul is one of the leading forces behind the market. Her gentle work with the employees, volunteers, events, performers, vendors and public is what makes the market such a special place for all of us each Thursday.

At the end of the season in October, when I walk down Broadway with my umbrella and the rain pitter-patters on each of the tents, I’m always disappointed to say goodbye to the market, and to the fair weather.

However, I’ve got nothing to lose right now.

I’ve got my market, the sunshine and freedom

[Tacoma Farmers Market, through Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Broadway between Ninth and 11th, www.tacomafarmersmarket. com]