Farmers Market season, here we come!

In Thurston County, we are lucky to have multiple local Farmers Markets at our finger tips. Strolling through the aisles of booths full of colorful produce, beautiful crafts, and delightful locally made products can feel so magical. And now that it is spring, we get to enjoy the markets for the entire growing season ahead!

Many of our staff members here at Thurston County Public Health and Social Services are so excited about this, so we thought we’d share some safety tips for visiting Farmers Markets.

• Wash hands often. There are many opportunities for touching unique items for sale as well as sampling goodies and eating lunch. Be sure to take a quick break from the market to wash your hands throughout your visit, especially before you eat.
• Wash produce. Produce, whether it is organic or not, should be washed before you eat it.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for tripping hazards.
• Keep your kids close. When a market is crowded, it’s easy to lose sight of a little person. Talk to your kids about what to do if they get lost.
• Some vendors are required to have permits and others are not. For more information about permits see our Farmers Market Permitting and Reference Guide.
• Have fun supporting local vendors, enjoying local foods, and getting fresh air!

To help you get out and enjoy our local farmers markets, here is a list:

The Olympia Farmers Market at 700 N. Capitol Way Olympia, WA – Now open Thursday-Sunday

West Olympia Farmers’ Market at 1919 Harrison Ave. NW Olympia, WA – Open Tuesday evenings starting in mid-May

Yelm Farmers Market at Nisqually Springs Farm 17835 Hwy 507 Yelm, WA – Open Sundays starting May 31

Tenino Farmers Market at 301 Old Hwy 99 Tenino, WA – Opens Saturdays starting June 6

Tumwater Farmers Market at Capitol Boulevard and Israel Road Tumwater, WA – Open Wednesdays (11am to 2pm) starting in May