Tumwater market’s new season to feature duck eggs, wild sausages

The Tumwater Town Center Farmers Market will kick off its 11th season Wednesday with new vendors and old traditions.

Like other farmers markets in the region, the Tumwater market embraces local farmers and small mom-and-pop operations.

Aside from serving as a lunch destination for state employees in the vicinity, the market also provides an incentive for people with Electronic Benefits Transfer and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Starting this year, the market will match up to $10 for these customers to spend on food.

“We want lower income families and individuals to not shy away from coming to the market under the perception that the prices are higher when actually they’re not,” said market manager Connie Allison. “Our prices are comparable to prices in local stores, and you’re buying organic from a local producer.”

The market will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 28 at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Israel Road.

Opening day festivities include the traditional parade by Samba Olywa, which begins at noon Wednesday. The River Ridge High School Taiko Band will perform Japanese drum music from 11 a.m. to noon.

At least 20 vendors will set up shop at this year’s market. One newcomer is Robin Knutson of Neighborhood Duck Farms, who will start selling duck eggs later in May.

Knutson feeds his flightless flock of 14 Indian Runner ducks — which he describes as “wine bottles with legs” — on a small patch of land in rural Tumwater while growing produce at his Olympia home. The lone male of the bunch, Elvis, cohabits with females named after members of the Dixie Chicks, TLC, Bananarama and The Supremes.

Each duck will lay an egg a day starting in mid-May, and Knutson estimates the ducks could produce 2,500 eggs or more this season. He hopes to appeal to local food-conscious residents who are looking for a bigger and richer egg that makes heartier breakfasts or fluffier cakes. Some people also prefer duck eggs over chicken eggs because of allergies.

“It’s important to know where your food is coming from,” said Knutson, 30.

Another new vendor is Blu Nynja Dogs, a Yelm-based business that specializes in gourmet quarter-pound sausages with wild toppings such as green dragon sauce, spicy cream cheese and barbecue fried onions.

The proprietor, known simply as Blu, has a chef’s background to go with her creativity. She also is serving Blu Nynja Dogs this summer at several special events and fairs in the region.

“I really like the connection you get with people,” Blu said of traveling with her food cart. “It’s a lot better than being stuck in the back of the kitchen.”

Other new vendors at this year’s market are Blooming Artichoke Herbary, Nana Kathy’s Baked Goods and Cozy Vale Creamery.

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 3:18 AM with the headline "Tumwater market’s new season to feature duck eggs, wild sausages."