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There were storybook characters, such as Nancy Drew and “American Girl” Kaya.
And there were plenty of critters, including ladybugs, spiders and bears.
About 75 children competed in the Olympia Farmers Market’s fourth-annual costume contest Sunday. The event included a Halloween photo booth, trick-or-treating throughout the market and costume contests for families and vendors, as well.
“Each year it gets bigger,” the market’s assistant manager, Ashley Powell, said. “It’s awesome.”
In addition to giving kids a safe, daytime option for celebrating Halloween, the event serves as a reminder that the market has plenty of seasonal offerings, including winter crops, holiday gift items and fresh baked goods and other foods.
“This is another good way to get the community down here, and remind them that we’re still here,” Powell said.
The costume contest was emceed by 94.5 FM ROXY radio’s Jerry Farmer, and judged by three staff members from Olympia’s Arts, Parks and Recreation department.
The top three costumes in each category won gift cards to local businesses, but every participant left with a fresh apple or a pear, and a yummy honey stick.
“I love my costume,” 3-year-old Shepard Graham said after winning “Most Creative” for ages 3-5 for his homemade robot costume.
His mom, Danielle Graham, created the costume with a diaper box, some dryer vents, an old toy keyboard and silver spray paint. The entire outfit cost less than $15, she said.
Nichole Garden, 32, of Olympia said she appreciated that the event didn’t have a heavy focus on candy, like so many other Halloween events.
“I like that it’s more about dressing up and having fun,” she said.
Winter hours
The Olympia Farmers Market, 700 Capitol Way N., will begin operating on its winter schedule on Saturday. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16, and Dec. 22-24 for last-minute holiday shoppers.
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433 lpemberton@theolympian.com @Lisa_Pemberton
