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Local farmers markets

Buy direct from farmers, support local businesses

Maya Wood and Phelan Pagano of Little Big Farm at the Olympia Farmers Market. Photo credit: Kristi Berry

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Summer brings a bounty of fresh produce and farmers market fun. Area farmers markets offer locally-grown produce, specialty foods, handmade crafts and live entertainment. Visiting these markets is a great way to eat healthy, find one-of-kind products, and support local farmers and artisans.

Olympia Farmers Market
Open year-round, the Olympia Farmers Market hosts 80 vendors in its main building. Farmers sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, plants and cut flowers. Craft vendors showcase unique products such as ceramics, beeswax candles, jewelry and lavender. Bakeries tempt shoppers with delicious pastries and fresh-baked bread. There are also eight restaurants and a main stage with live music.

"We're committed to providing quality products and sourcing locally," said Mary DiMatteo, Olympia Farmers Market community outreach manager. "Farmers market dollars remain in the community and help the local economy. The market allows farmers to earn a living wage. Plus, it reduces the carbon footprint."

The Olympia Farmers Market accepts Washington State EBT cards for fruit, vegetables, meat and baked goods. According to DiMatteo, it is also introducing Fresh Bucks this year. This federal program provides EBT cardholders with an additional $10 per day to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. Stop by the main office to swipe cards and learn more.

2018 SEASON: open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, January to March; Thursdays to Sundays, April to October; and Saturdays and Sundays, November and December; 700 N. Capitol Way, Olympia, olympiafarmersmarket.com

Lakewood Farmers Market
This year, the Lakewood Farmers Market will be held on Tuesdays, June 5 through Sept. 11, by the fountain at Lakewood City Hall. On opening day, visitors will receive free giveaways while supplies lasts.

"We have so much to choose from," said Sally Martinez, City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation coordinator. "Twelve local farmers sell a variety of fresh, local produce. We have amazing berries from Hayton Farms and wonderful honey from Robbins Honey Farm. We also have four local wineries and craftspeople who sell everything from jewelry to handmade soap."

Along with shopping, you can grab lunch at one of the market's many food trucks. Choose from a variety of international cuisine including Caribbean, Mexican and Chinese. Satisfy your sweet tooth with kettle corn, fudge or homemade ice cream. Live music is featured every week, and cooking demonstrations are planned throughout the summer. On Aug. 14, kids can sell items and perform on stage as part of the annual Kid's Day.

"What I love most about the Lakewood Farmers Market is the entrepreneurial spirit," said Martinez. "It's a place for small businesses to get started, test their products and build a customer base. Our customer service is extremely high. Customers get to know our vendors and keep coming back to see them."

2018 SEASON: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays, June 5 to Sept. 11, 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood, cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/farmer-s-market

Steilacoom Farmers Market
The 2018 Steilacoom Farmers Market will be held on Wednesdays, June 20 through Aug. 29, from 3-7 p.m. Located on the corner of LaFayette and Wilkes Street in downtown Steilacoom, the market is set against a beautiful backdrop of Puget Sound. More than 40 local farmers, bakers, artists and wine vendors gather every week to sell their wares.

After filling your shopping bags, pick up dinner at one of the food vendors and head out to the grass lawn at Pioneer Park to listen to live music. Bring your chairs and hang out awhile. This weekly community get-together is tons of fun.

2018 SEASON: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 20 to Aug. 29, LaFayette and Wilkes Street, Steilacoom, townofsteilacoom.com/267/farmers-market

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