The Olympia Farmers Market
The Olympia Farmers Market (OFM) may well be the most interesting place to visit in Olympia. It is certainly the most authentic Farmers Market in the Western United States, and the second largest open-air market in Washington State.
From its humble beginnings in 1975, the vendors of the market now provide regional produce, crafts, and food. The entire community comes down to the market for the wide variety of goods and the festive ambiance, but everyone has their favorite reasons. OFM has some of the best free music in town. There are real farmers tending the organic produce they plucked from the earth that morning. Kids love the snowcones, gingerbread cookies, and other treats. One vendor sells award winning smoked salmon. You can pick up an original, locally made gift item for a friend. And you can get to the OFM by boat and have a great lunch at the market.
OFM is like a village commons for Olympia, and locals always run into someone they know. It’s a very social place bringing all sectors of the community together. OFM brings people back to understanding the relationship between the changing seasons and the goods the earth provides. You know it’s June when you see the jewel red strawberries, and September when the tables hold wild chanterelles. Pine wreaths fragrance the air in December. OFM has delights for every family member.
Congratulations! OFM awarded – The Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau’s 2011 “Tourism Attraction of the Year.”