Amish Country Farmers’ Market ready to welcome more vendors
The Ohio Amish Country Farmers’ Market in its second week was more than ready and willing to take on as many new vendors as possible in hopes the market grows weekly.
The Ohio Amish Country Farmers’ Market officially celebrated its grand opening in the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism north parking lot in Historic Downtown Millersburg on June 1.
The HDM’s newest tradition set up shop again one Saturday later, where there was more fresh produce, handmade items and an assortment of goods being pedaled.
Lena Schlabach, one of several women who have been the driving force behind the market, was set up in a tent welcoming visitors and chatting with them as they shopped.
She said they understand it takes time to develop a market like this, but the waiting is never easy. She said they continue to seek vendors who would like to bring anything from fresh produce, honey, cheese and meats to locally made items like soap, candles, cutting boards and pottery.
“We’ve had a number of vendors come in to see what it looks like,” Schlabach said. “One of the big things for us right now is simply getting the word out that we are now here and opportunities for vendors to join us are available.”
If vendors would like to learn more about the market or join for the inexpensive sum each Saturday, they may do so by logging on to the website at www.ohiosamishcountryfarmersmarket.com, clicking the icon at the top of the page and filling out a vendor application form. There also are physical forms for those who don’t have internet capability.
“This is not for us to get rich. It is for the vendors and for the community to shop and buy some great local products,” Schlabach said.
Vendors may sign up on a weekly basis or sign a seasonal contract or even an annual one. Weekly cost for a 10-by-10-foot booth space is $20 or $34 for a 10-by-20-foot booth space.
Schlabach said they are eager to bring in vendors that feature fresh seasonal produce, and they would welcome artisans who want to showcase their wares.
Schlabach went on to talk about the people who have stopped by, noting the majority of them have been local people.
“We have seen a lot of local people come in and have heard some very encouraging words thanking us for providing this opportunity,” Schlabach said.
For Schlabach the Ohio Amish Country Farmers’ Market is something she has dreamed about since bringing her own business into the downtown area. Schlabach, who travels extensively as part of her job in running Farmhouse Frocks, said whenever she travels, one of the first things she does is locate an area farmers’ market. She has talked to others who feel the same, so her desire to promote one in Millersburg comes from that passion.
She said putting one in Millersburg makes perfect sense considering the town is in the heart of Holmes County, where fresh produce and handmade products are everywhere.
“It’s a chance to show everybody how rich and productive the land is here in our area,” Schlabach said. “We have been blessed with a lot of incredible farmland, and we have a host of wonderful smaller farmers who specialize in a variety of produce and homemade baked goods to crafts and other great products.”
She said having a huge variety of different vendors is their goal, and the hope is that the market will continue to grow as word spreads that it is now open.
All of the business owners involved in the endeavor believe this market will continue the ongoing growth of the region’s economy while at the same time improving the quality of life for those who choose to enjoy this new venture.
The team behind the market includes marketing director Alyssa Eliot, Mara Padden, Mandy Beachy, Shasta Mast and Schlabach. All of the women are store owners and managers in Millersburg, and Schlabach said they all share the same passion in seeing Millersburg continue to develop.
“We are excited that things have fallen into place, and we will all do whatever it takes to make this successful and viable for the people of our community to come in and shop local,” Schlabach said.
It is now just a matter of spreading the word and gaining momentum. Schlabach said they have some other ideas on tap that can help grow the market, from live music to some ticket events.
The market is located in the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism parking lot behind the chamber building at 6 W. Jackson St. It operates from 8 a.m. to noon and takes place every Saturday through Oct. 26. It will feature local products, many of them seasonal, meaning the scenery and what is offered at the market will be ever-changing.
The other part of the equation that the team would like to see fulfilled is for someone interested in being a part of the market in a volunteer capacity to come and help man the welcome table.
If anyone has an interest in helping at the market or becoming a vendor, they can visit the website at www.ohiosamishcountryfarmersmarket.com.