By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
The city of Groveport is getting back in touch with its farming roots by holding a weekly farmers market starting in May.
The Groveport Farmers Market will be held Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m., rain or shine, from May 30 to Sept. 26 (closed July 4). The market is sponsored by the Southeastern Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Groveport. The market will be located in downtown Groveport on Main Street on the grassy city greenspace next to Ace Hardware. Parking will be available in the large municipal parking lot near Ace Hardware.
“A farmers market is so much more than buying and selling,” said Groveport Farmers Market Manager Bruce Jarvis. “A community farmers market is very much a social event where neighbors, customers, vendors, and local businesses come together in a way that makes you feel glad you’re there. There’s a reason why these markets have become so popular from coast to coast – they’re fun!”
Jarvis anticipates “a good mix” of vendors offering fresh seasonal produce, baked goods, honey and herbs. He also said there will be craft vendors offering locally handcrafted items that are not be found in any store.
“As a first year market, we anticipate 12 to 18 regular vendors and maybe another 3 to 6 part time/intermittent vendors, but it all depends on how well we can do in recruiting,” said Jarvis.
Farmers markets have been attempted a few times in the past in Groveport, but without much success. But Jarvis said this new incarnation of the farmers market in Groveport will be different and will be here to stay.
“We have a great location that has ample parking and high traffic,” said Jarvis. “Secondly, there are no Tuesday evening markets in the area, which should attract quality vendors who would otherwise be committed elsewhere. Finally, I get a strong feeling the community truly wants a farmers market so it may be a case of good timing.”
From 2010 to 2015, Jarvis organized and managed the thriving Canal Winchester Farmers Market, which is held on Saturdays.
“It was part of a much larger job of running the C.W. Visitor’s Bureau, which I left in order run for public office,” said Jarvis.
Jarvis thinks the Groveport Farmers Market will compare favorably to Canal Winchester’s.
“Canal Winchester’s market is in its 19th year, so it has an established reputation,” said Jarvis. “The new Groveport Farmers Market may have a few familiar vendors from C.W., but new vendors and Groveport community support will help develop a look and personality for this market that will be unique in central Ohio.”
Jarvis wanted to manage the Groveport Farmers Market because he missed that aspect of his former position.
“It was my favorite part!” said Jarvis of managing a farmers market. “It seemed like the planets were aligned for a Groveport Farmers Market and I was more than happy to throw my hat in the ring to see that it happened. The chamber and city officials have been extremely supportive and it is this spirit of teamwork that has me excited and very optimistic that this is going to be the start of a long-running Groveport area tradition.”
For information on the Groveport Farmers Market, call Jarvis at (614) 557-1009, email jarvis79@sbcglobal.net or visit groveportmarket.com.
