Heart of Willoughby Farmer's Market offers local fare to community
Jul. 22—On its website, the Heart of Willoughby states that it strives to maintain a vibrant and economically viable downtown.
No more is that goal recognized than each Saturday from May to October as it hosts the outdoor Farmer's Market from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of City Hall in the heart of Downtown Willoughby.
In year 43 of offering locally grown foods and locally manufactured products to the community, the Heart of Willoughby Farmer's Market is the longest-running outdoor market in Lake County.
Market Manager Mark Dutton said the event averages between 1,200 to 1,600 people on any given Saturday, and on July 22, there were more than 50 vendors on hand with offerings ranging from caramel corn to produce to meats and smoothies and locally made crafts.
"We're investing in the local economy, so having locally made and grown products is the emphasis," Dutton said. "People love it here. We are all one big dysfunctional family."
Rose Ericcson and Gwen Teal of Smoothie Revolution, offering healthy drinks with Beatles-themed names, call themselves "nomadic" as they don't have a full-time business, but rather spend their Saturdays at the Farmer's Market. The stand has only been open a few weeks, but Ericcson and Teal were immediately hooked on the market's vibe.
"This is great, it is a lot of fun and the atmosphere is hip and the people are so nice," Ericcson said.
Ericcson, who lives in New York City but spends her summers in the area, said she liked the name Smoothie Revolution and immediately thought of The Beatles' "White Album" as inspiration for the names of the drinks.
Teal said seeing so many people come out to the market on a regular basis is good for everyone.
"It's very rewarding to see all these people here to support local businesses," Teal said.
Eastlake resident Hope Hess was at the CLE Cotton Candy Stand with 6-year old Roman and 4-year old Rubin. She said she came for the exotic mushrooms, which was one of the most popular stands, but that the boys were having a blast soaking in the whole experience.
"We've been here an hour and they are really enjoying it," Hess said. "I mean, they are covered in cotton candy and loving it."
Loyalty is not just for the patrons that will come back on a regular basis. Rainbow Farms out of North Perry Village missed the first year of the market, but has had a stand for the last 42 years.
Dutton said usually 10 percent of the vendors are non-profits, with several churches on hand.
"We are bringing local businesses to Downtown Willoughby, but it is also important to give back," Dutton said.
