Farmers markets are starting to open; one in Holmes County has opened a third location
It is the time of season for enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables at area farmers markets. Here is a brief rundown of some of the Wayne and Holmes area markets.
The opening for downtown Wooster Farmers' Market is 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, kicking off its 27th year.
The Farmers Market, presented by Main Street Wooster, features fresh produce, homemade baked goods, meats, organic plants, flowers, hot sauce, honey, syrup, candy, lavender and goat specialty goods, as well as wine tastings, artisan wares and more.
“Local and community are key words to our market” said Guinevere Steensen, the market manager and program manager for Main Street Wooster. “Our vendor base remains focused within a 25-mile radius of Wooster to prioritize area producers and artisans.
"The market provides our community with the utmost freshest bounty of our regional agriculture, supports small business owners, and builds culture with inclusion of handmade artisan items and free concerts by local musicians each week," she added. "The experience of the community coming together in the heart of our historic downtown is such a beautiful thing and a wonderful way to start the weekend.”
The 27th season will start with over 60 vendors. When the market first started, there were 12. Long-time market veteran favorites such as Weaver’s Truck Patch, Adonai Acres,and Autumn Harvest Farms Produce are returning cornerstones, while new faces are added to interject excitement and variety.
Opening day offerings include:
9-11 a.m.: Blacklite - The duo Dustin and Kaw-Liga from Blackout havecreated an acoustic rock and country show with a twist
E&H Ace Hardware grilling station with free samples
Free gardening seeds at The Secrest Master Gardeners' booth
WCA dancers during Community Hour at the Pavilion 11 a.m.-noon.
Wake-up the weekend with live free music performances at the Pavilion each Saturday at 9 a.m.
The market runs through Oct. 5.
Rittman Orchard and Farm Market
Rittman Orchards is a family-owned orchard featuring apples, peaches, berries and seasonal crops. The orchard is located at 13548 Mount Eaton Rpad, Doylestown. Rittman Orchards and Farm Market can be reached at 330-925-4152.
The orchard is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
Harvey's Market
Harvey's Market now has three locations, one near Nashville at 12636 State Route 39, another in Walnut Creek at 3463 State Route 39 and its newest location near Holmesville at 9079 State Route 83. The markets are open until 5 p.m. More information is available by calling 330-231-0786.
"We provide a great selection of great produce at reasonable prices to the communities that we love," said Harvey Mast. "We are family owned business with a passion for great produce."
Harvey's features fresh produce including watermelons, tomatoes, peaches, apples, grapes, cantaloupe and a variety of other options.
The stores have a variety of hanging plants, flowers and garden plants.
Mast said the opportunity arose earlier this year to expand again, and the timing was right for him to purchase the former Kauffman's Market and Kauffman's Wholesale Produce on state Route 83, just south of the Wayne/Holmes County line.
"We've grown a lot and we were looking to expand to a new location," he said. "This business has grown beyond anything I imagined. It was the culmination of a lot of things, and it was something to pour myself into. This allows me to deliver to my three stores as well as grocery stores and other farm markets in the area."
Moreland Fruit Farm
The Moreland Fruit Farm, 1558 W. Moreland Road, is a pick-your-own farm that also offers fresh produce 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Holmes and Wayne farmers markets are ready for 2024 season
