For the past 42 years, the Olympia Farmers Market has been the traditional place for families to get their fresh, local food. It is also the go-to place for beautifully crafted artisan crafts. With over a hundred vendors from three-and-a-half surrounding counties, the Market boasts of an over five million dollars in annual sales. The market features seven unique restaurants and every market day is set to the joyful sounds of live music. For 152 days a year, the Market is the favorite local place to be.

A visit to the Olympia Farmers Market isn't simply about buying local produce; it is about experiencing local culture and community. Not only is it a wonderful place to bring the family, it is also conveniently located in the Market District that is also home to the WET Science Center and the Hands On Children's Museum. "The Market offers a wonderful opportunity for healthy, local food supply and eating options," said Mary DiMatteo, Olympia Farmers Market outreach manager. "There are so many family-friendly activities here."

One of those fun activities can be planning out a meal and then coming to the Market to gather all the necessary ingredients. "Have children engage in fresh vegetable education," said DiMatteo. "Engage with our local farmers and experience the ‘why?' to learn about where your food came from." The Market is proud to host such an impressive amount of fresh food vendors for this very reason. Visitors to the market can meet one on one with the farmers who grow the very food they are purchasing. Visitors to the market will find themselves impressed with the selection of meats, cheeses, baked goods, and of course, fresh produce.

Alongside the organic food selections, customers will find an eclectic array of local artisan crafts. The wonderful pieces of art can easily be integrated into your everyday life from hearth to home. The Market also networks with nearly 50 different local bands in order to bring soulful music to your shopping experience. A variety of bands perform everything from blues, jazz, to bluegrass. The musician's stage is located under a covered pavilion and picnic table seating offers visitors a chance to sit down and enjoy the music.

Every year, the Market strives to bring in something new. This year, they have a new entertainment lineup, new vendors, and a new special events calendar. While the Market is an extraordinary place to experience, it is also more than just a market. It is an opportunity to stimulate the local economy, it is a means to food security, and it also preserves local farmlands while decreasing our carbon footprint. With the local communities showing the Olympia Farmers Market love and support for over 40 years, it is no wonder they have had continued success. They are truly the "Jewel of Olympia."

Olympia Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, Jan.-March; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays-Sundays, April-Oct.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays-Sundays, Nov.-Dec., 700 North Capital Way, Olympia, 360.352.9096, olympiafarmersmarket.com