By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Like much everything else in a world revamped by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Groveport Farmers’ Market will be a bit different this year.
When asked if the market will be held, Groveport Community Affairs Director Patty Storts said, “We are planning on having a farmers’ market only if we can get enough vendors to participate. So, yes, as long as we have enough vendors.”
According to Storts, the Groveport Farmers’ Market will be held on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. from June 30 to Sept. 15.
The farmers’ market will also be in a new location this year. Last year it was held in front of Groveport Elementary, 715 Main St., and near ACE Hardware. However, this year the Groveport Farmers’ Market will be located in the Groveport Madison Middle School Central parking lot at 751 Main St.
“Vendors will be lined up at the east side of the parking lot in the grassy area along the tree line,” said Storts.
She said the farmers’ market will only feature vendors this year offering items such as fresh produce, baked goods, and jams and jellies.
“There will be no entertainment, no children’s activities, or theme days due to COVID-19,” said Storts. “Only vendors this year. We need to follow the guidelines issued from Franklin County Public Health due to COVID-19.”
Storts said the farmers market plays a vital role in the community.
“Residents can develop face-to-face relationships with the farmers who grow their food and can contribute directly to local farm sustainability,” said Storts. “Groveport residents also benefit from being engaged with the vendors and their neighbors. Farmers’ markets reconnect communities to their food system. They create an opportunity where farmers can simultaneously sell fresh, local food and serve as food educators, revitalizing the way consumers shop and eat.”
Groveport Assistant City Administrator Jeff Green has noted in the past that events like the farmers’ market help “generate interest in the downtown area and create a vitality for the district.”
