Olympia mead maker Ryan Bally says the Olympia Farmers Market permanently suspended him and he will not return.
Bally, owner of Odin's Alchemy Brewing, is the second vendor in a week to go public about being removed from the downtown market, as The Olympian reported on Oct. 20.
He told the newspaper he was suspended Sept. 25 after a customer crossed a barricade at his booth and poured a sample while he was away taking a medical phone call. He said his efforts to get reinstated failed.
Bally, who has sold mead at the market for three years, described management as "less than understanding." The market provided the majority of his sales, he said, and he will likely need a second job.
The Olympian reported it contacted the market about Bally's account but did not hear back.
His departure follows the suspension of knife vendor Kevin Box of Crafted Restorations, as posted on Instagram.
Box was suspended over display safety concerns and a liability insurance requirement. Box is in email communication trying to return back to the market.
The Olympia Farmers Market has operated at 700 Capitol Way N. for 30 years. No public response from market management has appeared regarding Bally's permanent suspension.
