Fresh produce, baked goods and homemade crafts: farmers' markets are back

Bryce Buyakie, The Daily Record
·5 min read
Tucker Connelly, 7, of Southborough, holds up carrots to be bagged as he helps his mother at the Ashland Farmers' Market, June 10, 2021.
Tucker Connelly, 7, of Southborough, holds up carrots to be bagged as he helps his mother at the Ashland Farmers' Market, June 10, 2021.

As spring nears its end, that lingering smell of manure that drifts into rural cities will be a bit stronger, but it is not the only thing drifting into cities and villages.

The changing seasons mean farmers' markets are slated to crop up yet again in Ashland, Wayne and Holmes counties.

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The American Legion post in Shreve is home to a community market.
The American Legion post in Shreve is home to a community market.

For casual shoppers and die-hard foodies, this means oodles of farm-fresh vegetables and plenty of vendors to choose from.

Here's a list of some of the many markets in Ashland, Wayne and Holmes counties.

Ashland County

Mid-week market

Described as a mini-version of the Saturday market by Ashland Main Street, the mid-week market features 12 to 13 vendors in the afternoon every Wednesday from June 1 to Oct. 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Vendors will sell the usual market goods ranging from produce to flowers and baked goods.

Due to nearby construction, the market will be moved to Foundation Plaza where Ashland Main Street hopes it will provide more visibility in the community.

Around 10% of sales go back to Ashland Main Street for other projects and events.

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Christ United Methodist Church Farmers Market

Mohamed Ghobashi of the Kabob House makes a lamb gyro sandwich for a customer, with the help of his daughter, Sally, at the Ashland Farmers Market, June 10, 2021. Ghobashi has been participating in the Ashland Farmers' Market for 10 years.
Mohamed Ghobashi of the Kabob House makes a lamb gyro sandwich for a customer, with the help of his daughter, Sally, at the Ashland Farmers Market, June 10, 2021. Ghobashi has been participating in the Ashland Farmers' Market for 10 years.

Organized by the Christ United Methodist Church Sunday school, this market starts its 46th year of operations on Saturday, June 18, and runs until mid-October, said Fred Rafeld, who runs co-runs the school.

He said the market can start slow with around 20 vendors but usually peaks by mid-July or August with 45 or more vendors selling vegetables, crafts, spices and art.

"Everything must be raised or made by themselves," Rafeld said. "This isn't a flea market either," so second-hand items will not be sold.

All money raised at the market goes toward local food pantries, charities and church projects including some mission trips, he said.

The market will be open every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Christ UMC parking lot at 1140 Claremont Ave.

Rafeld noted that many vendors set up shop around 8 a.m., so customers are welcome before the official 9 a.m. start time.

Wayne County

Downtown Wooster Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market on the square in downtown Wooster features the occasional live music and plenty of food and craft vendors.
The Farmers' Market on the square in downtown Wooster features the occasional live music and plenty of food and craft vendors.

Local vendors will gather each Saturday in downtown Wooster to sell produce, baked goods and hand-made artisanal goods.

According to the Main Street Wooster website, each weekend can bring new seasonal offerings, events and live music.

Instead of the old Rubbermaid Store sponsoring the market, the new E&H Ace Hardware has taken over the sponsorship role, said Shannon Waller, executive director of Main Street Wooster.

The 2022 season of Main Street Wooster's market begins May 14. It runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on North Market Street, just north of the Main Square. Its last day is Oct. 8.

For more information, visit mainstreetwooster.org/farmers-market.

Rittman Orchards & Farm Market

Rittman Orchard sells seasonal and locally grown produce.
Rittman Orchard sells seasonal and locally grown produce.

While this may not be the classic city market, Rittman Orchards still sells fresh produce ranging from garlic to cucumbers and apples alongside a bounty of baked and jarred goods.

With each harvest a new product is available. This spring saw a new batch of asparagus that quickly sold out in nearly one week, according to the Rittman Orchards' website.

All produce that can be purchased online is available for curbside pickup.

The family-owned market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 13548 Mount Eaton Road in Doylestown.

For more information or the latest updates about the market, visit rittmanorchards.com.

Doylestown Farmers' Market

Doylestown is the early bird of farmers' markets in the tri-county area, having kicked off its 47th year on April 16.

With around 36 vendors ranging from art and clothes to baked goods and seasonal produce each month, this market has a little bit of something for everyone.

Most weekends feature live music while the occasional special event is held at the market, according to its website.

Bucks County Foodshed Alliance took over the operation in 2017 from the Buckingham Township Civic Association. All vendors must grow what they sell or make what they sell using local ingredients.

The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Nov. 19 at South Hamilton Street between West Oakland Avenue and West State Street.

To learn more about the market, visit doylestownfarmersmarket.bucksfoodshed.org.

Harvey's Market

Havey's Market sells locally grown food from both its farm and nearby producers.
Havey's Market sells locally grown food from both its farm and nearby producers.

This market straddles the border between Wayne and Holmes counties, offering a variety of goods from both communities.

Recently it started selling homegroasparagus and locally grown rhubarb along with its usual produce of plants, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets and baked goods.

The family-operated business is complete with a greenhouse and fishing pond.

It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 12636 state Route 39 in Big Prairie. Sunday and after-hours are self-serve.

To learn more about the business, visit www.harveysmarketllc.com.

Holmes County

A variety of produce is available at the weekly Wooster Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Markets like the one Wooster attract customers from nearby counties like Holmes County.
A variety of produce is available at the weekly Wooster Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Markets like the one Wooster attract customers from nearby counties like Holmes County.

Miller's Farm Market

This market boasts "field fresh produce" that ranges from tomatoes to rhubarb, onions and strawberries plus assorted flower arrangements.

Weekly new arrivals keep the produce seasonally up-to-date, according to the website.

This Millersburg-based market is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 3464 state Route 39.

For more information, visit millersfarmmarketberlin.com.

Berlin Farmers' Market

Farmers' Market in Berlin nestled in between the Mennonite Church and the Sheiyah Market.
Farmers' Market in Berlin nestled in between the Mennonite Church and the Sheiyah Market.

To the east of Millersburg sits Berlin and its annual summer market.

Like its counterparts, it features a variety of vendors selling baked goods, crafts, locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants.

This market opens Thursday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closes Saturday, Sept. 3. It is located at 4744 U.S. Route 62 in the back parking lot of Sheiyah Market.

The Berlin market is always looking for new vendors, to sign up or learn more visit visitberlinohio.org/events.

Reach Bryce by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com

On Twitter: @Bryce_Buyakie

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Summertime markets: Where to find local food and crafts