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Farmer's Market set to open |
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Thursday, 14 May 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
The Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market is preparing to offer local producers favorite goods as it prepares to open in June in Heritage Park along the Auglaize River.
The market is open from 8:30 to 11 a.m. each Saturday From June 6 until the end of October, with bedding plants available for purchase in May before the official opening of the market season.
Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market Committee member Dianne Dodds Knipp said producers plan to offer baked goods, homemade noodles, eggs, flowers, vegetables, fruits, syrups, jams and even soap this year.
“The market will be well stocked with a variety of goods as the seasons change over time including everything from melons and berries to pumpkins, gourds and corn shocks,” Knipp said. “Good, fresh products will be offered at competitive or lower prices that that of a grocery store.
“What’s so great about the farmer’s market is that local buyers will have the chance to talk to producers, who can educate them about how their produce was raised and what, if any chemicals were used, and if the product is organic or not,” she said. “This way, they know exactly what they are getting for their money.”
Working with the Wapakoneta city officials and members of the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wapakoneta Antique and Specialty Shops (WASS) and the Down Town Wapakoneta Partnership (DWP), Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market participants expect to provide residents of the community with a fun-filled kick-off, beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m. June 6.
Activities will include door prize tickets being awarded to market patrons with each purchase they make, along with a drawing for a basket filled with market goods and produce scheduled to take place at the end of the market day.
Entertainment also is to be provided by local musicians starting at 9:30 a.m.
“We’re inviting local and are residents to come on down to the riverside to ‘sit-a-spell’ to enjoy the beautiful park, have a free cup of coffee and visit with friends and relatives while enjoying the music,” Knipp said. “We don’t want them to miss out on the smell of fresh coffee and the free concert in the park. Those that can attend should bring their lawn chairs and prepare for a good time.”
Knipp said Bill Steinke, a local producer of maple syrup, mentioned his supply of syrup was not affected greatly by the late winter weather and he will have plenty of syrup to offer market patrons.
“Don Steinke, owner of Steinke’s Bee World, will also have his model-T truck on display, a variety of honey products and free honey candy samples for all children accompanied by an adult,” Knipp said. “As many market-goers recall, the best choices appear at the 8:30 a.m. opening each Saturday, so all buyers are encouraged to come early.
Local producers are invited to set up at the market free of charge, and civic and school groups also are encouraged to make the Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market a place to set up informational and sales booths.
For more information or to register to participate in the Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market, contact committee members Knipp at 419-738-6539, Barbara Selby at 419-738-7124, or Pam Doepker at 419-738-7841.
Those interested may also register any time by showing up at the market before 8:15 a.m. on any Saturday and speaking to the market master or any Wapakoneta Farmer’s Market Committee member.
“Last season, we averaged about 15 local producers per week who came to sell their goods at the market, and this year we’re hoping to get more” Knipp said. “There is no charge for producers to sell their harvests at the market and they get to pocket all the profits they earn.
“Not only is it fun, but producers also get the chance to get rid of any extra produce item or good they may have harvested so that their time and effort doesn’t go to waste.”
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Last Updated ( Friday, 15 May 2009 )
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