The Federal Way Farmers Market has a new recipe for community celebration as it marks its 15-year anniversary and switches up the annual chili cookoff to become the Taste of Federal Way on Sept. 22.

“For seven years, our chili cookoff has raised money to benefit community groups at the farmers market,” said event director Rose Ehl. The cookoff has changed over the course of that time, moving from an initial competition between the fire and police departments to teaming local restaurants with area nonprofit organizations as a fundraiser.

Ehl noted that the Federal Way Farmers Market Advisory Committee was looking to showcase the range of local restaurants featured at the market and thought reimagining its signature event — the chili cookoff — was the perfect opportunity.

“The time is just right to celebrate not only our community, but also the variety of our restaurants,” Ehl said. “We do love our chili, but we thought it was time to make a change that highlights the range of culinary experiences available throughout Federal Way.”

The Farmers Market runs on Saturdays between May 12 and Oct. 27. It is located in the Commons Mall parking lot along Pacific Highway. The market features farm fresh produce, fresh flowers, artisans and craftsmen as well as a variety of booths featuring businesses and community organizations.

The Farmers Market also features food booth menus that include Mexican, Asian, and Southern options as well as American fare.

“When we started the market, we wanted it to be more than produce. We wanted it to be a community gathering place,” Ehl said. “After 15 years and all the hard work of our volunteers, I truly believe the Farmers Market is one of the standing events that make our city such a great place to live.”

The change is only in the menu, but the spice remains the same. Nine different restaurants are already confirmed to support the nonprofits selected for 2018. Restaurants for the Taste of Federal Way are Black Bear Diner, El Barrio, East India Grill, Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse, Gino’s, K.C. Deez Barbecue, Hae Song Korean Barbecue, Pac Island Grill and the Ram.

Ehl said entertainment for the Taste of Federal Way will include multicultural performances. The advisory committee is working on the lineup for the day.

The ticket price of $15 includes a taste from each of the restaurants, a drink and a dessert. For more information, check out the market at federalwayfarmersmarket.com.