They came, they saw, they ate.

Sunny weather and the lure of free food and many vendor/charity booths helped attract hundreds of public employees to the Public Service Recognition Week event on the East Plaza Lawn of the Capitol Campus Wednesday. Hot dogs, potato chips and bottled water were served by volunteers and staffers from many agencies, including the Office of Financial Management and Office of Secretary of State.

PSRW is held during May to celebrate the achievements of public employees. Another PSRW event was held Wednesday in Spokane, and a third event is slated for Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Southridge Sports Complex in South Kennewick.

The weeklong celebration ends Saturday when the Seattle Mariners hold Washington State Employees Day. Prior to Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, OFM Director David Schumacher will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Secretary of State Kim Wyman.