Business Community
Patterson’s Market back for 45th year
If you spotted the cows at the Chevron station near the Gig Harbor airport roundabout, it only means one thing: Patterson’s Market is back.
The wooden cutout cows may not be real, but the Christmas trees for sale certainly are. Not even a 2022 eviction from their longtime location at the corner of 56th Street and 38th Avenue could stop the Pattersons from continuing one of Gig Harbor’s most cherished holiday traditions.
This year is Patterson’s 45th holiday season providing the community with trees and other holiday decorations.
Holiday decorations at Patterson’s Market. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
Second year at new spot
This is the second Christmas season that Rick and Shelli Patterson have operated their outdoor holiday market adjacent to Anderson’s General Store at 1902 Point Fosdick Drive.
The red-jacketed “Tree Guys” are ready to help you choose and carry your Noble Fir cut fresh from Satsop Valley in Grays Harbor County. Prices range from $34.99 to just under $400.
Red-jacketed Tree Guys are back on the job at Patterson’s Market this season. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
To add that festive touch to your home this season, you can find wreaths, fresh cedar garlands, and Shelli Patterson’s beloved “Kissing Balls.”
There’s a new(ish) face on the lot this year. After spending a decade out of state, Alex Patterson, Rick and Shelli’s son, returned to his hometown of Gig Harbor with his wife.
Selling trees and wreaths is a seasonal change of pace from Alex’s day job as a portfolio manager for Charles Schwab.
“Most of all I like seeing people,” said Alex, who is having fun recognizing old friends. “It’s cool connecting with people.”
After a decade out of state, Alex Patterson is back this year to help with his family’s Patterson’s Market. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
Alex says he appreciates “everyone in Gig Harbor” for their support of the family business.
Looking for a permanent home
The future of Patterson’s Market remains uncertain as they explore new locations to host their other seasonal favorites, like the Halloween Pumpkin Patch. According to Alex, the family will consider several factors, including site logistics, parking and overall location.
For the time being, the Pattersons are grateful to their longtime friend Greg Anderson of Anderson’s General Store for providing space.
Trees at Patterson’s range from $34.99 to nearly $400. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann
As customers wander through the evergreen market, Alex runs the family business like he’s been doing it his whole life. He notes that his parents started the business back in their high school days.
“That’s old!” he jokes about Rick and Shelli, who graduated in the early 1980s.
Vintage Pattersons carries on with new add-ons. Today (Thursday, Dec. 12) live music will feature the guitarist from popular local band The Shy Boys and his students from 2 to 4 p.m.
“It’s such a cool time of year,” Alex said. “Most people are joyful and happy.”
Patterson’s Farm Market
Phone: (253) 851-8144
Location: Adjacent to Anderson’s General Store at 1902 Point Fosdick Dr.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
What’s there: Noble trees, $34 and up; fresh cedar garland; custom, locally handmade wreaths and “Kissing Balls.” Custom orders and specialty holiday requests available.
Wreaths are a popular item at Patterson’s Market. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann