Olympia Farmers Market to celebrate like its 1975 to mark 50th anniversary

Since 1975, people have been buying locally grown food and locally created crafts at the Olympia Farmers Market. And this weekend market vendors and shoppers will celebrate how the market is still thriving 50 years later.

The market’s statement about the 50th anniversary is honest about what it took to grow the beloved institution: “This vibrant, bustling Market exists because of bent backs, chipped nails, kept promises, long hours, and the courage to laugh in the face of obstacles.”

You can join the community in celebrating the anniversary, timed to coincide with the National Farmers Market Week. On Saturday the market will host activities, specials, music, memories and surprise fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in gratitude for all the hard work it took to get here.

Market leaders are encouraging participants to wear their 1975 best to mark the year it all began. Live music will be performed by the Odd Sock, Hook Me Up and the Oly Mountain Boys.

There will be zucchini car races, live portrait drawing, rock decorating, balloon animals, bubbles, dance pop-up, a quilt raffle and craft demonstrations. There also will be a Market Memories Exhibit and visitors can take a self-guided history tour. The first 100 guests will receive a free commemorative wildflower seed packet.

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This story was originally published August 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.