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| I found this young fellow taking a break from helping his parents at their family market stand at Bellville, Ohio Farmer's Market. |
Farmers Market Season has begun! And what a blessing and joy they are.
Our area is a cluster of three small towns. Once Upon a Time, not so very long ago, we did not have farmers markets here. Farmers markets were more of a "city thing".
Well, all of that began to change about 10 years ago. A few markets have sprung up and failed, for various reasons. Now things have seemed to have leveled out, and all three towns have successful markets. It meant some shuffling around a bit to achieve this. For instance, Galion's NorthSide Farmers Market (which I helped to get started) has moved to Thursdays to not be in conflict with Crestline Famers Market, which is on Tuesdays. Bucyurs' Farmers Market will continue on Saturday mornings.
I feel that these markets contribute to the quality of life here in our rural part of the state. People who do not garden now have access to fresh, local food sources. It was here all along, but without the markets not available to the general public.
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| Local honey and maple syrup are natural sweeteners available at farmers markets. |
Jim and I are not vendors until July, when our fruit harvest begins with Lodi apples. But you can bet your sweet bippy** that I'll be perusing the markets for items that we do not grow or produce. :)
**Yep. I am old enough to quote Laugh In.....!
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| Holistic Acres! What a fantastic name for a small family farm. :) |
What to look for now: rhubarb, asparagus, greens such as spinach and kale, fresh herbs, herb plants, bedding plants, veggie plants, fresh eggs, honey, pure Ohio maple syrup, local meat (beef, pork, chicken), baked goods, and handmade items such as soap.
Happy Fresh Food Shopping, everyone!
Marcheta * fresh!
How on earth did I miss this Ohio Country Journal blog? Marcheta, well done my friend. Your photos are exceptional in telling a story. When I read your words they are cemented in the photo.
ReplyDeleteI was doing a little research on the Bellville Farmers Market as a school chum of granddaughter started the market when she was 11. My g-daughter Ally, 11 also) was one of her first signed vendors. Purr-Snickety-Paws. She made healthy natural treats for dogs and cats. Ally kept her business going thought her high school years and one year in college.
I enjoyed your Ohio Country Journal blog immensely.
Vallerie***VeeVee
Hi VeeVee,
DeleteYour words are very kind and encouraging. I remember reading the story in the Mansfield News Journal when your friend's daughter started the farmers market in Belville. What a neat thing for her to do and for your granddaughter to be a vendor at such a young age!