The farmers markets in Ohio offer residents the opportunity to not only shop for fresh produce but also to learn about that food, support local businesses and charitable community initiatives, and engage in fun and educational activities
Ohio Valley Farmers Market
The Ohio Valley Farmers Market (OVFM) traces its origins back to a meeting in 1978 between several residents and farmers and the Belmont County Extension Agent. Many more meetings and planning sessions followed until OVFM opened for its first season in July 1979. In 2003, the market slogan became “Know your Farmer. Know your Food!”, reflecting the importance of the face-to-face experiences that occur there — starting with a complimentary cup of coffee or tea at the Market Tent.
The four decades since of OVFM have seen numerous changes. The original Saturday market shifted from a fairground in St. Clairsville to right along the Ohio River in Bellaire, open from 9 a.m. until noon. However, a Tuesday operation was added in St. Clairsville, open from 3 to 6 p.m.
Both markets operate for 22 weeks from June through October, which is much longer than the original eight weeks.
Despite a decline in produce farming and orchards in the area, OVFM continues to offer a venue to support existing farmers and small businesses. It also provides education and workshops to assist new ones and help them scale from part-time to more established companies.
Photo Courtesy Ohio Valley Farmers Market
A lot of this education is targeted at consumers, with information on the importance of buying local and the health benefits of fresh produce. To back this up, OVFM accepts the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, providing low-income residents access to fresh food.
Local chefs attend OVFM, using the fresh fruits and vegetables onsite that day to prepare something special, for which they offer free samples at the Tasting Tent.
The Kids Can Cook: Sous Chef at the Tasting Tent program also enables kids aged 7 and up to assist this chef for an hourly shift every Saturday.
There is a substantial amount of programming aimed at young people. The Ohio Valley Young Farmers Club is present every week. Activities for children at the Kids’ Corner Tent are also featured weekly, including lessons from The Uniformed Historian and crafts like veggie painting, bird feeders, and piggy banks. Much of the programming is intended to teach young people about where their food comes from.
In July, Kid’s Day included activities like blowing bubbles and learning about why wind is good for plants. August saw a BIG GREEN Event, including a walk-in butterfly tent, face painting, and an anti-littering poster contest. December even features a Winter Farmers Market and Craft Show in the Bellaire High School Cafeteria with Santa present for kids’ photo opportunities.
Photo Courtesy Ohio Valley Farmers Market
Other contests are prevalent in the market, too. The monthly SNAP! POST! TAG! contest awards $20 in Market Bucks to one of the people who shares and tags a photo or video from OVFM. In the annual Know Your Farmer! Know Your Food! LEGO Contest contestants enter LEGO designs with agricultural themes in competition to win prizes, including LEGO sets and Market Bucks.
Other contests this year included painting rain barrels and naming the market mascot. Beary D. Licious now travels across vendor locations for promotional opportunities.
Photo Courtesy Ohio Valley Farmers Market
The market is no stranger to fundraisers, either. In October, it collected food, hand warmers, heaters and propane tanks, sleeping bags, tents, carbon monoxide detectors, and more to support the victims of Hurricane Helene. Plus, the Non-Profit Tent this year saw the likes of Littleton Feline Rescue and It Takes Heart Ohio – Foster and Adopt.
Shawnee Farmers Market
Meanwhile, The Shawnee Farmers Market originated as a collaboration between Destination Shawnee, which is working to turn the area into a regional destination, and Rural Action’s Entrepreneur Rural Communities Program. It was held weekly in the 2010s before shifting to a monthly basis in 2020, running on the first Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
During the colder season, an indoor Winter Market occurs monthly. This December’s first Sip and Shop Market featured complimentary beverages to enjoy while shopping for holiday gifts.
Photo Courtesy Shawnee Farmers Market
The market seeks to help its vendors be as successful as they possibly can. For example, it employs a peer mentoring process and producer training. These benefits stem immediately back to the local community, as it touts that it is “proud to be 100% local.” Promoting locally-grown, sourced, and hand-crafted products supports Shawnee’s economy and overall well-being.
The dedication to local food is particularly evident in September’s inaugural Farm-To-Table Fundraiser Dinner. Held in the Tecumseh Theater, it featured produce, meat, and desserts from the market’s 100% local vendors. Proceeds went toward the operation and providing continued access to fresh food.
Other attractions vary by date. Local musicians play every market day, and the Perry County Library’s Bookmobile has also been known to show up. When it is on the premises, attendees can sign up for library cards or check out books, and kids can take free grab-and-go snacks.
Last summer, the Fairfield Medical Center and the Community HeartWatch Trailer came to the market to teach attendees the basics of CPR.
This October, the operation teamed up with the Miller High School Outdoor Adventures Club at Tecumseh Theater. The group took participants on a “Where Nature Meets History” Walking Tour around Tecumseh Lake to teach them about local history and nature.
Photo Courtesy Deb Hutmire, Bev Trovate, and Delia Palmisano
The market is extremely dedicated to promoting local needs on its social media pages. For example, last year, it hosted the Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which sold raised garden beds at the marketplace. In March, the operation promoted a fundraiser by the Friends of St. Bernards Church to replace the roof of the only remaining Catholic Church in Southern Perry County. In April, it helped spread the word about the Shawnee Masonic Lodge’s open house, through which men could join to become freemasons and help support the local community.
Farmers Market of Medina County
Finally, the Farmers Market of Medina County (FMMC) supports local farms, producers, and bakers that grow or make their own produce or wares. While they range from newcomers to lifelong to multi-generational in timelines, each is a local professional who prepares their own wares, contributing to a healthier environment and a safer food supply. Each of the more than 25 vendors also receives support from FMMC on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon between May and October and ahead of each market season via vendor introductions on social media.
Photo Courtesy Farmers Market of Medina County
FMMC hosts several special events. This year’s opening day featured a prayer and dedication from Cornerstone Chapel, in whose parking lot the market is located.
Last year, FMMC also teamed up with the chapel to donate 100 of each of seven different food items to be put in care packages for people in need.
As part of its mission to connect the community with local farms and fresh, local food and therefore help it to thrive, FMMC encourages everyone to “Come be part of it. It feels good.” As such, it accepts SNAP and Produce Perks, the latter of which is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that doubles the value of SNAP by matching every dollar up to $25, expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables. It also encourages community members to talk to the vendors to learn more about the importance of healthy food and the journey it takes to reach the market.
Photo Courtesy Farmers Market of Medina County
FMMC wants its attendees to have fun, too. One of FMMC’s most popular summer events is its bread-making workshop, in which participants use a mere four ingredients to make no-knead artisan bread dough. They get to take the recipe, instructions, and a sample plate of “breads and spreads” home while finished loaves are sold to other customers. Meanwhile, last year’s Thank You Day featured Farmers Market Scramble, in which participants try to unscramble words collected from different vendors and free mini pumpkin painting for children.
