By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Celebrating 10 years this summer, the Reynoldsburg Farmers’ Market will open for the season this month.
The market, which will run from 3-6 p.m. on Thursdays from June 15 through Sept. 7, will take place in Huber Park behind the Reynoldsburg Senior Center.
Jennifer Clemens, who is marking her first year as market manager, says the event will feature more than 20 vendors who will sell their home-grown and homemade foods. Shoppers will find many of their favorite vendors returning this year, including Wishwell Farms, Rusty Star Primitive, Olde Village Meats, Great Harvest Bread Company, Darby Creek Beef, Golden Harvest Farm, Frostop, Midway Concessions and B’Scotti.
New this year, a handful of vendors will bring a variety of fresh options for visitors. Tiger Mushroom Farms will sell fresh mushrooms, Oceans Friend Aquaculture will provide live or fresh Pacific Whiteleg saltwater shrimp, Made without Grain will carry a variety of gluten-free grain products, Woolf Farms will sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and Maple Mist Farm will have 100-percent pure maple syrup, sugar, cream and maple cotton candy.
“We will also be offering a Compost It program at the market this year, so be sure to stop by their tent and check it out,” Clemens said.
Excited to promote and manage the market this year, Clemens said the event continues to grow.
“I love what the market represents, healthy eating and community,” she said.
Organizers also have been working to incorporate a new incentive program called Veggie Snaps for residents to use their EBT cards at the market. Shopping with the EBT/SNAP program allows residents to get up to $10 in free fruits and vegetables.
On opening day June 15, Mayor Brad McCloud will perform, and the Pitabilities food truck will be on hand. Volunteers also will collect donations of canned food items for Reynoldsburg Helping Hands. Bring two canned food items and take a tethered hot air balloon ride sponsored by Balloon Masters, Clemens said.
“Located in the heart of the city, the Reynoldsburg Farmers’ Market becomes a community gathering point every Thursday afternoon during the summer months,” McCloud said in a news release. “As we celebrate the market’s 10th year, I invite everyone to Huber Park to enjoy some Ohio’s finest fruits, vegetables and baked goods, and to rekindle old acquaintances and perhaps make some new ones.”
Later in the month at the June 29 market, Tim Toole, a local resident and chef, will provide a cooking demonstration called, “What’s for Dinner.”
“Tim will use only ingredients purchased at the market to make a dish that will be easy to replicate and prepare for the family,” Clemens said.
For information, go to the event’s Facebook page for weekly updates on special events, food trucks and live entertainment.
