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Cory William Berlekamp
Twitter: @Cberlekamp
Email: berlekampc@findlay.edu
The hustle and bustle of Downtown Findlay on Thursdays has added another stop for anyone looking for fresh produce.
The Hancock County Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is located in the parking lot of the Marathon Center for Performing Arts (MCPA). Though they originally started in Downtown Findlay in 2005, they are celebrating their one-year anniversary of being back to the city after being located out at the Hancock County Fair Grounds.
One of the volunteers and vendors that help run the market Ann Boyd was happy to back where people can happen upon the market instead of making the trek out to the fair grounds. After seeing that food trucks started setting up in the MCPA parking lot on Wednesdays, Boyd decided to reach out
“I saw the article in the paper and I got Heather’s name and number and asked her if we could set up our market during the fair time because we can’t set up then,” explained Boyd. “She said ‘Oh I have been meaning to get in touch with you about having the market down here.’ So yes, it was perfect timing.”
The market itself is entirely local and includes vendors like farmers, bakers, honey stands, and even local businesses like We Serve. Coffee.
“The gardens are local, the bakers are local,” said Boyd. “We might have some people from Forest or around but it is mostly Hancock County.”
Boyd also welcomes any non-profits to be a part of the market, even Blanchard Valley Hospital has a booth set up to educate people about healthy lifestyles.
“I you are a non-profit and you want to promote, just call us or go through our Facebook site,” said Boyd.
Coming in to their second growing season when fall harvest comes in, Boyd explains that they have been averaging 25 vendors a week. She is proud of the market and glad to see people show up for it. She also encourages people to support it because she believes in supporting the local farmers and businesses.
“It’s another shopping option for people who want fresh food and also if you are going to buy any baked goods, don’t buy commercially produced food because it has all kinds of chemical additives,” said Boyd. “Know your baker, it’s fun to know the people providing you with good, nutritious food.”
The market is runs every Thursday through Oct. 25 and the vendors hope to see people come down.
“The customers and the vendors really drive the market,” said Boyd. “It’s just nice, people see each other and say ‘See you at the farmers market.”
