Did you know it’s National Farmers Market Week?
August 4 -10 is the week to get out and visit all of the local famers markets and enjoy the seasonal produce along with the many other offerings found there. Plus – you will be supporting local farmers and contributing to the local community’s income and growth – so get out and eat, drink, and be healthy!
Many markets will host fun activities to celebrate National Farmers Market Week, including pie contests, festivals, cooking demonstrations, events for kids, raffle drawings and giveaways. USDA officials will visit markets around the country between August 4 and August10 to honor growers and commemorate National Farmers Market Week.
8,144 farmers markets are now listed in USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory, up from about 5,000 in 2008.
“Farmers markets are an important public face for agriculture and a critical part of our nation’s food system,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “They provide benefits not only to the farmers looking for important income opportunities, but also help fill a growing consumer demand for fresh, healthy foods.” (USDA)
Of the 10 top states that account for over half of all markets, Ohio is #5 with 300, Pennsylvania is #4 with 301, and Illinois has 306. So, be proud Ohioans!
Where can you go to celebrate this week? Here is a list of many markets in Portage County as well as a few just outside. Why not make it your family’s fun for the week and visit as many as possible. It could be quite a memorable and fun family activity for the week!
We posted a great article about Haymaker Farmers’ Market earlier which you can access HERE.
Today we highlight both the Downtown Ravenna Farmers Market and Red Rock Farmers Market in Aurora.
The Downtown Ravenna Farmers Market
Every Thursday through September 19 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. look for the big tent on North Meridian and Cedar St. behind Piccionis in downtown Ravenna. You’ll find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally prepared baked goods, honey, and maple syrup, as well as tasty jams and preserves, soaps and lotions, soy candles, and handmade craft items. It’s All Fine Consignment also has a booth there with handmade crafts and homemade yummy dog treats which change every week! Be sure to stop by their booth with your four legged friend.
Click their FACEBOOK page for more info.
Red Rock Farmers Market in Aurora
Red Rock Farmers Market offers high quality produce and products to encourage a healthy lifestyle. The church hosts the community Farmers Market on their property and all of the products sold are oriented toward healthy living. Open every Wednesday from 4 – 7 p.m.through August 28 located at the Corner of SR 43 and R 306 in The Church in Aurora’s Parking lot.
The Red Rock Farmers market consists of all local farmers or businesses from Northeast Ohio who have been checked and verified. They provide the Market with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, pickles, jams, jellies, bread, peanut butter, fresh eggs, grass-fed beef and much more. Specialty vendors include a local bakery, an organic lettuce and greens farmer, a family-owned maple syrup vendor, a family honey business, locally grown berries, homemade candied walnuts, and homemade all-natural soaps. The market also features FREE activities for the kids.
Click HERE for more info.
Other markets you’ll want to check out are below. Make sure you take your largest market bag! Let the kids bring one of their own too as there will be plenty to carry home and many hands make light work!
Cuyahoga Falls
Friday
2 – 5:30 p.m.
Quirk Cultural Center (new location for 2013)
1201 Grant Avenue
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
330-971-8425
Website
Garretsville Farmers Market
Wednesday
3 to 6:30 p.m.
Curtains Up Theater Farmers Market
In the parking lot of Sky Lane Bowling Alley located at Windham Street and Liberty Street.
For additional info 216.375.0709
Haymaker Farmers Market
Saturday
9 – 1 p.m.
Franklin Ave. between College and Summit Streets, downtown Kent
Winter Market!
Saturdays 10 – 1 p.m.
November – April
at Junction 211 in Kent 211 Cherry St. (corner of Franklin Ave.)
Hudson’s Farmers Market
Saturday
9 – 12:30 pm
Hudson’s Village Green will again be home to the Hudson Farmers Market.
The market features more than 30 vendors.
Mantua Rotary Farmers Market
Saturday
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Christ Lutheran Church, 10827 Rt. 44, Mantua
For additional info 330.351.3035
Munroe Falls Farmers Market
Tuesday
3-6 p.m.
Location- Guise Park- 43 Munroe Falls Ave. Munroe Falls, OH
Our new location features easy parking, a play area for kids, and is completely handicap accessible. We have a wide variety of vendors selling locally produced goods. Special events are planned for each month.
August 6 is Sweet Corn Celebration!
Stow Community Church Farmers Market
Saturday
9 – 12:30 p.m.
1567 Pilgrim Drive, Stow, OH
Tallmadge Farmers Market
Thursdays
4 – 7 p.m.
Tallmadge Recreation Center parking lot
Tallmadge, Ohio