GALION — The Northside Farmers Market has started it’s second year in its new home.
For years the market took place Thursday evenings on property owned by KFC on Ohio 598 on the north side of Galion. Last summer, with popularity bulging, it moved to Heise Park, but still on the north side of the city.
It remains slated for Thursdays, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in a green area near the parking lot by the football stadium. It is just across the street from the veteran’s memorial in the center of the park.
There have been two markets thus far this year and business has been OK. But like most farmers markets, the action will increase as the growing season progresses.
“It’s not just fruits and vegetables, said Nikki Ward, the city’s city-service director and market organizer. She noted that anything grown, baked, made or produced locally may show at the market. “We have local meat vendors, we’ve got some dip mixes made locally, some meat rubs, bread and more. As the summer goes on, we’ll have more fruits and vegetables.”
There are also local crafters with their wares for sale, local honey, syrup products and more.
Ward said the Northside Farmers Market is the only market in the county that is part of the SNAP food assistant program.
“Many vendors will be able to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) again this year,” she said. “SNAP recipients may bring their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to the market and obtain tokens that may be used to purchase fresh, local vegetables, fruits, honey and preserves, among other products.”
The move to Heise Park has been successful as there is ample space and much more foot traffic.
“Once a month we’ll try to do an activity for kids,” Ward said. “Last week, we had sunflower starter kits the kids put together and then took home. That’s something they’ll have all summer.
“Last year we had local chefs come in and give demonstrations using local produce or meats. We’ve got those types of things planned throughout the summer.”
The market will be open weekly through mid-October.
“Last year, this area had a terrible growing season because of the weather. We’re not expecting something like that again,” Ward said.
Anyone else interested in becoming a vendor should contact Nikki Ward at 419-468- 1857 or email her at nicoleward@galion.city. The market also has a Facebook page.
