Delicious fundraisers, farm to table delights

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

Since we moved to the area, we have made it a point to go to a local Farmers Market every week and to eat whatever is in season. Keep in mind that while the vendors at these farmer’s markets may or may not be nonprofit organizations, the farmer’s markets are indeed nonprofits. They are able to survive and pay their bills by charging the vendors a fee for their place in the market or by charging a percentage of each sale. However, this is not always enough to keep the market sustainable, so they often host fundraisers like the tasty one being offered this Saturday at the Olympia Farmers Market!

Rising River Farm vendor at the Olympia Farmers Market

A Delicious Fundraiser

The Olympia Farmers Market is hosting a Berry Shortcake Fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, starting at 11 a.m. This event aims to raise funds for the Annual Market Farm to Table Food Drive, supporting local families by providing them with nutritious, locally sourced food for the holidays. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward this worthy cause.

According to the market’s website, the Olympia Farmers Market takes great pride in fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Through this initiative, Market Vendors and Community Partners will work hand in hand to make a positive impact on the lives of local families. By joining forces, they aim to ensure that everyone in the Olympia area can enjoy a bountiful and wholesome holiday season.

During the Berry Shortcake Fundraiser, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Famous Handcrafted Market-Sourced Berry Shortcake made with the freshest and most flavorful berries sourced directly from our dedicated Market Vendors; each bite promises to be a delightful experience for the taste buds. However, availability is limited, so the Market encourages folks to arrive early to secure a slice of this beloved treat.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – From the farm to your table

In addition to the markets, we also participate in the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which provides weekly fresh vegetables from a local farm. (Thanks to this, we now know about kohlrabi). You can learn more about the CSA program at https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/csas. In the meantime, check out these local Farmer’s Markets to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, arts, crafts, music, and food trucks. You may even catch a Yoga session.

• Lacey Township Farmers Market – Open Fridays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. from May to September 29^th  https://www.facebook.com/laceyfarmersmarket/
• Olympia Farmers Market - Open Thursday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from April – October. It is also open October through March but limited days and hours. https://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/

• Saturday Market at West Central Park (West Olympia) – Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May through October. https://wcpnc.org/market/

• Tenino Farmers Market – Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May to September https://teninofarmersmarket.org/
• Tumwater Farmers Market – Open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://www.instagram.com/tumwaterfarmersmarket/?hl=en

• Yelm Farmers Market - Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May through October https://www.facebook.com/YelmFarmersMarket/

Another “Food” Event You Can Attend This Saturday

The Surfrider Foundation of Olympia will be hosting a composting presentation by Joe McGee this Saturday. McGee has a number of accomplishments that make him the perfect person to host this event, including Master Gardener, Master Recycler/Composter, Blue Water Task Force Coordinator, and a lifelong compost enthusiast. (I’ll keep the jokes to myself).

Participants can learn about various ways to compost at home, which can help protect our waterways, address climate change and reduce the waste stream going into our landfills. In addition, hands-on learning opportunities will be available if you so desire.

The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people, through a powerful activist network, including our own Olympia chapter. For more details and to register for this program click here.

If compost is not your thing, the Surfrider Foundation is celebrating June as Ocean Month by hosting their Oly Downtown Butt Pickup.  According to their website, cigarette butts are the # 1 item found on beach cleanups around the world. Participants get a bucket, a grabber, a counter and hit the streets for an hour to focus on collecting cigarette butts. Afterward, everyone meets again to take everyone’s count. For more details or to register for this event, click here.

Schmidt House Renovations Are Complete

The Schmidt House has been undergoing renovations for the past year, including new ADA accessibility, updated electrical, and expansion of their archives. The house is now open and available once again to visitors through guided tours offered by Karen Johnson, Curator of the Schmidt House.

According to Johnson, if you love the history of this area, the Schmidt House needs volunteers. “All skill levels are welcome. Volunteers are needed to scan photographs, conduct research, help with the general preservation of the archives as well as assist with events”, says Johnson.

If you prefer volunteer work that is outside, volunteer gardeners are needed to maintain the Centennial Rose Garden. Contact Johnson via the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for more information on these opportunities. The Schmidt House is run by The Olympia Tumwater Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that honors the philanthropic legacy of the Schmidt Family and the Olympia Brewing Company through a wide range of community projects, from awarding annual scholarships to preserving its historic Schmidt House and archives, supporting the Tumwater Historic District, and providing the Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls for public use and enjoyment.