By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Jim Horstman of Great Harvest Bread is pictured here at last year’s winter market. “Jim and his wife own the Great Harvest Bread store in Westerville,” said Market Manager Kristin Hampton-Harmon. “They are very popular and have also been with our summer market for years.”
After a successful first season, the Reynoldsburg Winter Farmers’ Market will return with more crafts, food and family activities.
This year’s market will open Jan. 12 and will run from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays until Feb. 23 at the Senior Center, 1520 Davidson Drive. No market, however, will be held Feb. 9.
The market will feature several of the city’s summer vendors, as well as new participants, said Kristin Hampton-Harmon, the market manager. Each week will include about 20 vendors.
“We are also inviting a few high quality crafters to join our market this season,” she said.
New this year, the market will feature two food trucks each week in the center’s parking lot. Java Brava will attend each week, selling gourmet coffees. Joining it will be a rotation of other food trucks, such as Pitabilities, Ninja Bowl and Salt and Pepper BBQ.
“We felt since the food trucks were so popular in the summer months, why not invite them back to bring their delicious menus during the winter?” Hampton-Harmon said. “Residents can easily grab their food and then come inside the market to eat where it’s warm.”
The market also includes family activities this year. On Jan. 19, Lowe’s will provide free wood crafts for kids, and on Feb. 2, children will have the opportunity to make free Valentine’s Day crafts.
On Feb. 23, food educator Allison Hendricks from the Franklin Park Conservatory will present a cooking demonstration, creating a recipe with market foods, sampling it and sharing tips.
Since last year, the city has examined what worked and what could be improved upon in anticipation of the market’s second year.
“We had phenomenal vendors last year, but our attendance wasn’t as high as I would have liked,” Hampton-Harmon said. “It was our first year, and many people said they didn’t know about it.”
This year, organizers began planning earlier and promoting the winter market during the last month of the summer market.
“It’s important that when we host these types of events that the community members come out to support them so we can continue to attract high-quality vendors,” she said.
She hopes the addition of two food trucks each week will attract new residents to come check the market out as well.
Shoppers will find several favorite vendors returning, including Great Harvest Bread Company, Darby Creek Beef, Golden Harvest Farm, Barnes and Soapel, Allison’s Challah, Pretzels with a Twist and the Tiny Baker. New vendors include Ingram Acres, Rusty Star Primitives and Hot Waxx Candles.
For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page or call (614) 322-6839.
