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Rachel the Piggy Bank: Pike Place Market's Charitable Mascot

Meet Rachel, Pike Place Market's bronze piggy bank mascot, bringing good luck and supporting the community since 1986!

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Rachel the Piggy Bank, a bronze sculpture at Seattle's Pike Place Market, is more than just a photo opportunity. As the market's unofficial mascot since 1986, she collects donations for the Pike Place Market Foundation, supporting vital community services [8, 13]. Rubbing her snout is said to bring good luck, making her a must-see for visitors [8].

A brief summary to Rachel the Piggy Bank

Local tips

  • Visit Rachel early in the morning to avoid crowds and get a better photo opportunity [17].
  • Bring some change to donate to Rachel; it supports important local charities [17].
  • Rub Rachel's snout for good luck! It's a Pike Place Market tradition [8].
  • Explore the rest of Pike Place Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and local vendors [17, 18].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're already exploring Pike Place Market, make your way to the main entrance under the iconic clock and sign at the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place [7, 8]. Rachel is located right there, next to the Pike Place Market Foundation office [8, 17]. Just follow the crowds snapping photos!

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Seattle, several bus routes stop near Pike Place Market [2, 3, 10]. Check King County Metro for the most up-to-date schedules and routes [3]. Many buses stop along 3rd Avenue, a short walk to the market entrance [3, 10]. A one-way bus fare costs $2.75 [2]. Alternatively, the Seattle Monorail runs from Seattle Center to Westlake Center, a short walk to Pike Place Market; the fare is $2.25-$3.50 [2, 9].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to reach Pike Place Market [3, 4]. A ride from downtown Seattle typically costs $5-$8, depending on traffic [3, 9]. Be aware that traffic around the market can be congested, especially during peak hours [4]. Advise your driver to drop you off near the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place for the easiest access to Rachel.

  • Parking

    Pike Place Market has two parking garages with entrances on Western Avenue and Alaskan Way [5, 6]. Hourly rates start at $5 per hour for the first 4 hours [6]. An early bird rate of $15 is available if you enter before 9 a.m. and exit before 9 p.m [5, 6]. An evening rate of $8 is available if you enter after 5 p.m. and exit before 2 a.m [5, 6]. Keep in mind that parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons [5]. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance [12, 14].

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Discover more about Rachel the Piggy Bank

Rachel the Piggy Bank is a beloved fixture of Seattle's Pike Place Market, standing proudly beneath the Public Market Center clock and sign [8]. This 550-pound bronze sculpture, created by Whidbey Island artist Georgia Gerber, has been bringing home the bacon for the Pike Place Market Foundation since 1986 [8, 11, 13]. Named after a real 770-pound prize-winning pig from the 1985 Island County Fair, Rachel serves as the market's unofficial mascot and a major fundraiser [7, 8, 13]. Donations dropped into her coin slot support the foundation's efforts to provide low-income housing, a food bank, a senior center, and a preschool within the market community [16, 18]. Over the years, she and her cousin Billie have raised over $350,000 [7]. Rachel is more than just a piggy bank; she's a symbol of generosity and a public art piece that embodies the spirit of Pike Place Market [17]. Visitors from around the world pose for photos with her, rub her snout for good luck, and contribute to her cause [8, 16, 17]. She even survived being struck by a taxicab in 2011, further solidifying her status as a resilient and iconic landmark [7, 11, 16]. Her cousin Billie resides at the MarketFront [7, 8].

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