Farmers’ market hits its peak

  • By Meena Ghaziasgar
  • August 17, 2010
  • 250
                        
Although summer is winding down, farmers’ markets across the country are at their peak during this time of year. The Downtown Wooster Farmers’ Market is no exception. Despite this summer’s soaring temperatures and high humidity, the market’s loyal customers have continued to venture downtown to purchase local produce, visit with friends, and enjoy live music every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon on the square in downtown Wooster. This year, shoppers have an ever-growing variety of local products to choose from. Growers and vendors feature a wide assortment of seasonal local fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Artisans sell homemade crafts and soaps. Fresh-baked bread and other sweet treats are also available. In addition, farm-fresh meat and eggs are also for sale at the market. Farmers’ markets are growing in popularity as more people take an interest in their health and in supporting their local farmers and growers. Produce sold at farmers’ markets is ripe, often harvested the day that it is brought to market, and travels a much shorter distance than produce that is available at traditional grocery stores. And the social interaction between buyers and sellers and the sense of community is a big draw for many. Neal and Jonlyn Hartzler started selling produce at the Downtown Wooster Farmers’ Market last year. Their booth, called Hartzler’s Heirloom Produce, is easy to spot. In recent weeks, they have featured a variety of colorful vegetables such as beans, carrots, purple potatoes, beets, green zebra tomatoes, onions, and more. The couple display their goods in bold, colorful tubs that sit on a bright, cheerful tablecloth. When asked why he grows heirloom produce, Neal Hartzler noted the benefits of doing so. “You can use heirlooms seeds year after year, and that’s a big advantage in homesteading,” he replied. “Heirloom seeds can produce fruits and vegetables that are more flavorful generally and honestly, they look really cool.” Heirloom growers may be motivated by different reasons. Some want to increase the available gene pool for a particular plant and preserve it for generations, while others have an interest in organic gardening. And some enjoy growing a rare variety of plant. Still others want to ensure biodiversity. It can’t be denied that Hartzler’s Heirloom Produce is a popular stand at the market. And it’s not just about the produce. “It came as a surprise to me that my favorite part of participating in the market is the amount of social satisfaction that I get from coming here week after week,” said Neal. “Friends are talking to each other and everyone is in a good mood.” His wife agreed. “I’m here to support my husband—and I really enjoy the sense of community,” said Jonlyn. The market is indeed a place where people can build community and relationships. Vendors at the market are often seen chatting with each other, and can count on each other to watch over their market booths, pets, and children. The Downtown Wooster Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday on the square in downtown Wooster from 8 a.m. until noon. The market will end its season on Saturday, Oct. 30 and will re-open in June of 2011.


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