As outdoor farmers markets around the area pack up their tables and tents one last time signaling the end of the traditional growing season, producers will continue to stock the shelves at Woosters indoor market, Local Roots.
After the Wooster Community Centers Thursday market ended, Main Street Woosters Saturday Farmers Market will also wrap up the 2013 season on October 26th, but farmers in and around Wayne County still have cold weather produce and high tunnels ready for winter gardening, as well as meat, dairy, and an assortment of agricultural products to offer. Local Roots serves the needs of both the producers looking for a site to sell locally year-round – and the needs of consumers interested in the local food movement wishing to support sustainable farming practices, the local economy, and meeting the people who produce their food.
Part of Local Roots mission is To encourage healthy eating, expand local economic development, promote community involvement, and sustainable living. Both their mission and efforts were recently recognized by The Daily Meal as one of the top 101 Farmers Markets in the United States (see www.thedailymeal.com/101-best-farmers-markets-in-america). Other markets receiving recognition were found in parts of the country with longer growing seasons as well as markets that have been around for more than 100 years including Pennsylvanias Lancaster Central Market – which claims to be the countys oldest continuously operating farmers market for more than 275 years. , according to Haley Willard, The Daily Meal editor.
Although Local Roots does not have the lengthy history associated with other markets, it still has a lot to celebrate as the 4th anniversary draws near. Dave Benchoff, who was elected as secretary of the board during their October 9 board meeting, explained, We started at the end of 2009 as an indoor farmers market, and in January of 2010 we became an incorporated cooperative. The former Corning Retail Store site continuously expands and adjusts to meet the demands of the public and now has a café open to the public six days a week and a commercial kitchen in the final stages of construction thanks to many volunteers and funds from the USDA. The new kitchen will give food entrepreneurs and food producers the ability to process and store their products on-site.
On any Saturday a hive of activity can be found at Local Roots with food sampling, live music, horticultural and craft classes, as well as customers perusing the assortment of seasonal products available – but November 2 will be a special Saturday explained market manager Melissa Williams, We will celebrate the change of seasons and kick off the holidays. The Harvest Celebration will start with a Fundraiser Breakfast from 9 – 11 am featuring pumpkin spice pancakes and waffles, sausage, and applesauce. Donations will be accepted and applied towards the new commercial kitchen. From 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, parents are invited to bring their kids to a Halloween Party. There will be pumpkin decorating, fun fall activities for all ages, as well as not-too-bad-for-you-treats. Costumes are strongly encouraged for both kids and parents alike.
Continuing in the afternoon, shoppers will be able to meet some of Local Roots producers and a Beginning Knitting and Crochet class will be held from 12 – 2 pm. The Fiber Arts Guild members from the Saturday Knitting Circle will pair up with individuals who want to learn the basics of knitting or crocheting. Materials will be provided for a $5 donation. Children 9 and older are welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult learner.
As described by Willard from The Daily Meal, Farmers are the backbones of our food supply and farmers markets are a place where the community comes together to support each other and the sustainable practices farmers use to produce. After four years of bringing the community together, Local Roots has reason to celebrate.
