Farmers market kicks off summer events in Canal Winchester
The Canal Winchester Farmers Market is open for business in the city’s historic downtown, where it’s become a traditional meeting spot for many in the community, according to organizers.
The market, which is among several summer events in Canal Winchester, began its 23rd season May 28.
“Farmers markets in many ways have become the front porch (of a community),” said Karen Stiles, executive director of Destination: Canal Winchester. “Maybe that’s why they are so popular. It’s not just about what you can buy there, but you also can go there and catch up with your neighbors."
The Canal Winchester Historical Society, 100 N. High St., serves as the market’s location from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Sept. 24.
Since 2020, the venue has hosted the market, which will be closed July 30 due to Canal Winchester’s Blues and Ribfest. Because of COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic social-distancing and health requirements, the market was moved from Stradley Place.
“It’s just a charming spot,” Stiles said. “You’ve got the old schoolhouse there and the Queen of the Line depot and the Cheney grain elevator. It’s in a grassy area with trees that make it more shaded. It’s a very ‘Olde Town’ feeling.”
More than 25 vendors are selling everything from produce, local honey and baked goods to homemade T-shirts, jewelry, quilts and jams and jellies. The list of market vendors is available online at thecwfm.com.
One of the new vendors this year is Maugers’ mini donuts, Stiles said.
However, two of the market’s mainstays – Black Thai Farm and B’Scotti homemade Italian biscotti – are not participating.
Black Thai Farm owner Seejan Black, who has health issues, hopes to return next season, and B’Scotti owners Tina and Scott Banaski have retired, Stiles said.
Farmers markets can have a strong impact on the local economy. According to the Farmer’s Market Coalition, for every $100 spent at a farmers market, 62% stays in the local economy.
Markets also provide startup space for new entrepreneurs who hope to connect with customers.
“Just recently, I had three different people come up to me and say, ‘I want to thank you. You gave me a chance at your market when you knew nothing about me,’” Stiles said. “And these are people who went on to open brick-and-mortar businesses. One of them started with a small tent and now he has three food trucks and travels all over.”
Music in the Park
Canal Winchester’s Music in the Park series continues this month in Stradley Park.
From 6-9 p.m. June 17, families can get an up-close look at tractors and other large equipment and listen to the Hot Rod Lincolns perform. Other activities include a children’s art wall, balloon animals and performances by the Living Statue.
The Gas Pump Jockeys will headline the July 15 event, which features a cruise-in car show. Car show registration is free from 5-6 p.m.; however, space is limited to the first 50 vehicles.
Blues and Ribfest returns
The Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest will return July 29-30 in the historic downtown at High and Waterloo streets following a two-year hiatus because of pandemic health restrictions.
Hours are 5-11 p.m. July 29 and noon to 11 p.m. July 30. Admission is free.
Visit tinyurl.com/yzs3nuub to see this year’s entertainment acts.
Labor Day Festival
celebrates 100 years
The pandemic-delayed centennial celebration of the Labor Day Festival is scheduled for Sept. 3-5.
The festival began in 1920 as a small gathering called the Fall Festival. It now attracts nearly 40,000 visitors, according to organizers. COVID-19 restrictions prevented Canal Winchester from marking the 100th anniversary in 2020 and 2021.
The year’s event will feature musical performances by Uncle Kracker and Epic Eagles, a parade, car show, carnival rides, ice cream social, animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and more.
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Farmers market kicks off summer events in Canal Winchester
