Farmers markets offer fresh goods and homemade crafts
If you are looking for the freshest local produce available, homemade baked goods, and unique handmade crafts, then the Coshocton and Fresno farmers markets are the place to go on Saturday mornings. But you had better come early before it’s all gone.
Elsie Summers from Spring Valley Farm sold out of her peas early. She grows produce in a high tunnel which protects the seedlings and gives them a head start in the growing season. She also brought cucumbers, onions, lettuce and strawberries.
Christie Ireland was selling Loren Lee Design jewelry as well as Polymer Clay jewelry. “It is a local all handmade product that she just started in January. What I’ve learned is we get busy really early and there is a little lull and then it’s really busy again and that’s how the morning goes,” she said.
Michael Ashcraft makes colorful candles for his company Wix and Match. A portion of his profits support Autism Awareness at the The Nisonger Center in Columbus.
“We opened on May 7 with about 12 or 14 vendors and now we have 17 vendors and we’re expecting more vendors as soon as produce comes on,” said Becky Bowden, market manager. “But it’s been slow because between the rain and weather it has been cool. For instance, my tomato plants at home are just blooming. So, it will be a while before I have tomatoes. We really appreciate our customers that come out rain or shine. We invite everyone to join us on the court square on Main Street every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon to shop and support local farmers and artisans. Surely you will find something delicious to eat, décor for your home or a unique gift for family or friend. Produce sells out very quickly so customers need to get here early.”
Bowden has a drawing the last Saturday of the month. Be sure to enter at the market. If your name is drawn you get something from each of the vendors. To find out what will be available each Saturday morning, visit the market Facebook page. A list of vendors is available on the Wednesday of each week. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Bowden at 740-327-2235 or email wndngcrkfrm@gmail.com.
The Fresno Farmers Market is every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon.
“We have a produce vendor who brings everything from bananas to zucchini, tomatoes, they’ve had watermelon, local strawberries and peaches,” said Angie Slaughter. “Becky Frame from Toby Way Farm has sourdough, jams like Johnny Jump-up Jam and Dandelion Jam, whenever it’s ready. She will bring anything from her farm. Mike Baily brings eggs. He occasionally brings quail eggs and also produce. Rumor has it that quail eggs are very good pickled.”
The market also has craft vendors who make wooden flower lawn ornaments in bright colors and a couple of authors have been bringing their books.
“One writes science fiction, and one has horror stories,” Slaughter said.
There are seasonal vendors for such things as sweet corn and apples from Clarks Orchard, which usually start coming in late July. Slaughter also pointed out that most of the egg vendors only charge $2.50. “I know they are more than that in the store,” she said.
New vendors are always welcome in Fresno. The first week is free for new vendors and then the cost is $5 a month. If they have a Christmas in the Country event, Slaughter donates that money to various projects. “Last year the proceeds went to the township for a new bathroom. This year we will probably support the veterans,” she said.
The Fresno Farmers Market is at the White Eyes Township Maintenance Garage located at 26197 Township Road 1045. For more information contact Slaughter at 740-610-5490.
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