By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
The Groveport Farmer’s Market will bloom again this summer offering fresh produce and more on Tuesdays from May 29 to Sept. 25 from 5-8 p.m.
It will be located on the grassy area located on Main Street between Ace Hardware and Groveport Town Hall in downtown Groveport.
The market will have live music the third Tuesday of each month beginning in June. It will also have a special event the first Tuesday of each month as follows: June 5 – “Farm Days” (antique tractors and equipment; farm animals); July 3 – “Red, White and Kids Celebration (kids games, patriotic kids parade, face painting, freebies, popcorn); Aug. 7 – “Dog Days of August” (dog competitions, dog services information); Sept. 4 – “Customer Appreciation Day” (free hot dogs, corn on the cob, bottled water).
“The city of Groveport has gone beyond the call of duty to help us grow and promote this market,” said Groveport Farmer’s Market Manager Bruce Jarvis.
When asked what types of items are expected to be sold at the market this year, Jarvis said, “The variety of produce, home-produced goods, and hand-crafted items are subject to change by the week. This is especially true of the produce as the market reflects what is in season for Ohio. But we also have a reliable core group of vendors with staples like local honey, baked goods made from scratch, and unique decorative items that cannot be found anywhere else.”
Jarvis said he does not yet have confirmations for any food trucks to participate at the market, but some smaller cart-based operations offering grilled sandwiches, ice cream, and cold-brewed coffee products are expected.
“Local officials graciously made a provision for us to incorporate up to three food trucks in the event we discovered ones that complemented the market without giving up too much parking,” said Jarvis.
The market first opened on the downtown site in 2017 and Jarvis said that last year the market exceeded all expectations.
“Once the produce season really kicks in we can expect 20 or more vendors at any given market,” said Jarvis. “Things are a little quieter at the very beginning and very end of the season, but we can expect a vibrant bustling market all summer long. We have enough space for 30 or so vendors and I am hopeful we can get close to that limit this year. The goal is to create a warm weather Groveport tradition that is around for a long time.”
Jarvis said the downtown location is a great spot for the market because of the ample available parking and for its high visibility on Main Street.
“The proximity to Ace Hardware has often come in handy, too, as the need for a tool or piece of hardware to fix something at the market comes up from time to time,” said Jarvis.
He said the farmer’s market plays an important role in the community.
“Farmer’s markets are growing in numbers and popularity for good reason,” said Jarvis. “Health-conscious customers seek out produce where they can speak face to face with the grower. Others appreciate the convenience and old-fashioned quality of home-produced goods. The market serves as something of a business incubator, too, as it provides an outlet for small business entrepreneurs. But I feel the most important aspect of a good farmer’s market is that it provides a fun social gathering place for friends and neighbors while welcoming others who are new to the area.”
Jarvis said it is a joy to watch the human interactions that take place at the farmer’s market.
“Once the market is up and running, I have little to do as the market manager and I often like to find a place to sit back and watch,” said Jarvis. “The natural interactions between vendors, customers, neighbors, and friends is priceless and timeless. What pleases me most is when I see parents or grandparents explaining this or that to a young child whose eyes are taking in something for the first time. The market is so much more than buying and selling.”
Visit www.groveportmarket for information.
