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Cultivating farmers markets

Puget Sound offers a large number of produce stands

The Puget Sound area abounds in farmers markets, with the Olympia Farmers Market one of the most notable. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

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Farmers markets are great summer fun. 

My favorite is the Olympia Farmers Market.  The smells of the different foods, the colors of the fruits and vegetables, and the plethora of jewelry, glassware, meats and bakery items is overwhelming.

Located at 700 Capitol Way North in Olympia, the 40-year-old market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays.  For more information, call 360.352.9096 or visit www.olympiafarmersmarket.coM.

Below is a preview of some of the area's other Farmers' Markets.  For complete information, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org.

KING COUNTY
Federal Way Farmers Market
Located at 1701 S. 320th, Federal Way; 253. 261.8157; www.federalwayfarmersmarket.com.
Open every Saturday through Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this festive outdoor market features farm produce, bakery products, honey, coffee, local crafts, pottery and live music.  There is plenty of parking, and the market is handicap accessible.

PIERCE COUNTY
6th Avenue Farmers Market
Located at the intersection of 6th Ave. and N. Pine St.; 253.272.7077; www.tacomafarmersmarket.com.
A family friendly event loaded with color in the 6th Avenue Art District, this market draws young and old alike to purchase quality fruits, vegetables, honey, seafood, specialty food and handcrafted wares. The market is open every Tuesday through Aug. 30 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Lakewood Farmers Market
Located at 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood; 253. 983.7757; www.cityoflakewood.us.
Situated next to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, this market enters its fifth year and brings a sense of community featuring live music, loyal vendors, a master gardener and chef demonstrations and healthy foods situated in a peaceful setting with a fountain, shade and plenty of free parking.  Open on Tuesdays through Sept.13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Puyallup Farmers Market

Located at 330 S. Meridian, Puyallup; 253. 840.2631; www.farmersmarket@puyallupmainstreet.com.A 30-year-long weekend celebration in downtown Puyallup, this market has it all, from artisan crafters and specialty food vendors to fresh veggies and fruit starts.  This year's market theme is "So Fresh and So Green." This splash of color and sound is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 15.

Steilacoom Farmers Market
Located at the corner of Lafayette and Wilkes Streets, Steilacoom; 253.581.1912; www.townofsteilacoom.com/267/Farmers-Market.
On Wednesdays from between 3 and 7 p.m. through Aug. 31, this historic town connects with the surrounding community with a variety of 45 vendors featuring farm produce, bakery goods, seafood, and art and food demonstrations. Live music concerts in nearby Pioneer Park overlooking South Puget Sound and the Olympics enliven the event.

THURSTON COUNTY
Yelm Farmers Market
Located at 17835 State Route 507, Yelm; 512.797.1195; www.yelmfarmersmarket.com.
Situated on an organic farm beside the Nisqually River, this is the only market on an actual farm. Live music, fresh produce, farm products, plants and gifts are on display.  Open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 16.  

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