About Us
The City of Tumwater worked with a group of local farmers and farmers market advocates to create the Tumwater Town Center Farmers Market in 2006. Since then, the Tumwater Farmers Market has been bringing together producers and consumers in a congenial atmosphere that promotes the economic well-being of local agriculture, the nutritional well-being of consumers and the social health and wealth of local communities.
The Tumwater Farmers Market:
- Creates an open-air focal point for healthful shopping, workplace events, and information-sharing for state, city and library employees and their customers, easily accessible within walking distance of several large state agency offices;
- Increases consumer access to fresh produce direct from local farmers;
- Provides public space for state employees and others to gather and share a sense of community.
The market will include fresh produce and processed food products grown and made in Washington, with preference given to local producers. Consumers will find a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, baked goods and prepared foods to meet their lunchtime shopping and dining needs and desires. A unique feature of the market will be a community booth, open to local nonprofits, state agencies, labor and civic organizations on a rotating basis for information sharing and community outreach.
Location & Hours
The Tumwater Farmers Market is located on the southwest corner of Capitol Boulevard and Israel Road, directly behind the city’s maintenance and facilities building and is open every Wednesday, May 28th through October 29th, from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Go here for Maps & Directions.
Governance
The Tumwater Farmers Market encourages commerce, entertainment and trade in the Tumwater Town Center that is conducted in accordance with the Washington State Farmers Market Association Roots Guidelines. The market also strives to educate the public regarding the benefits of preserving local agriculture and of making healthy food choices.
The market is operated by the Tumwater Town Center Farmers Market Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) association governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Members include a minimum of two farm vendors, one non-agricultural market vendor, two community members, and a Tumwater City Councilmember. A community member is defined as someone who lives and/or works within the City of Tumwater. Up to two individuals who live and/or attend school in Tumwater and are 16-18 years of age may serve as special advisors to the Board of Directors. Several committees of community representatives are chaired by board members, and guide market activities such as market operations, community relations, and events.
2008 Board of Directors
| Name | Position | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Vandeman | Board President Market Operations Committee chair farmer |
|
| Eric Dickerson | Board Vice President
market vendor |
|
| Lou Nemeth | Board Treasurer market vendor |
|
| Kate Lynch | Board Secretary Community Relations Committee chair Community member |
|
| Amy Ellings | Board Member Events Committee chair - Community member |
|
| Dana Huffman | Board Member Community member |
|
| Joan Gallagher | Board Member - Community member |
|
| Kristi Dohring | Board Member Market vendor |
|
| Nata Jo Hurst | Board Member - Community member |
|
| VACANT | 1-2 openings farm representative |
|
| VACANT | 1-2 openings youth representative |
City Council Liaison
- Karen Valenzuela, City Council Member
Staff
- Ione Vrabel, Market Manager - manager@tumwaterfarmersmarket.org
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the following individuals and companies who donated thier time, expertise, and materials:
- ScholasTechs (web design and development)
- Signproject - Jerry Murphy (logo design and market signs)
- Word and Picture Communications Co. (print design and photography)
Contact Us
Ione Vrabel, Market Manager
Tumwater Farmers Market
855 Trosper Rd. SW #108-219
Tumwater, WA 98512
manager@tumwaterfarmersmarket.org
360.464.5879