Keeping food at the forefront
Medina Farmers Market kicks off season
John Walworth and Judy Khoury (left) wait on customers at the Judy’s Oasis booth, which sells Middle Eastern foods such as hummus, pitas and a tray of spinach and feta pies that sold out before noon. Photos by ALLISON WOOD
MEDINA – Whether you are interested in picking up something for dinner, bakery or some toppings for snacks, the Medina Farmers Market is now open for the season.
The market’s first day was June 3 and will be open every Saturday for 21 weeks until Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Medina Square.
Market Manager Nancy Romans said while there is always a crowd, traffic picks up in late July as more produce vendors fill the allotted spots to capacity.
This year, the market has cut back on non-food offerings and added aquaponic and hydroponic produce stalls along with a vendor selling beef jerky. In addition to produce and bakery stands, other market offerings include two stands selling salsa, one selling duck and chicken eggs and two or three merchants offering cheese.
“There’s just about anything you can think of,” Romans said.
One concern she has is that road construction, especially on North Court Street/Pearl Road, may deter some from coming to the market.
Stephen Brown, of Oak Tree Farm in Akron, is in his first season selling several varieties of hydroponic lettuces at the market and said is happy with the amount of other vendors and foot traffic he’s seen so far.
What makes hydroponic produce unique, he said, is that it is grown in a water solution and does not contain pesticides or herbicides found in most soil-grown produce. In addition, he is able to harvest the day’s offerings around 6 a.m. just before leaving for the market.
There will also be special events during the season occurring at the same time as the market. On June 17, Main Street Medina be hosting Pizza Palooza from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where guests can purchase tickets to try pizza samples and then vote for their favorites.
The International Fest is Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include live performances, an international bazaar and food trucks along with the regular market vendors.
In addition to the larger events, the market will also be holding events throughout the season, including a salsa contest and a honeybee day as two examples, Romans said.
The market’s first day was June 3 and will be open every Saturday for 21 weeks until Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Medina Square.
Market Manager Nancy Romans said while there is always a crowd, traffic picks up in late July as more produce vendors fill the allotted spots to capacity.
This year, the market has cut back on non-food offerings and added aquaponic and hydroponic produce stalls along with a vendor selling beef jerky. In addition to produce and bakery stands, other market offerings include two stands selling salsa, one selling duck and chicken eggs and two or three merchants offering cheese.
“There’s just about anything you can think of,” Romans said.
One concern she has is that road construction, especially on North Court Street/Pearl Road, may deter some from coming to the market.
Stephen Brown, of Oak Tree Farm in Akron, is in his first season selling several varieties of hydroponic lettuces at the market and said is happy with the amount of other vendors and foot traffic he’s seen so far.
What makes hydroponic produce unique, he said, is that it is grown in a water solution and does not contain pesticides or herbicides found in most soil-grown produce. In addition, he is able to harvest the day’s offerings around 6 a.m. just before leaving for the market.
There will also be special events during the season occurring at the same time as the market. On June 17, Main Street Medina be hosting Pizza Palooza from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where guests can purchase tickets to try pizza samples and then vote for their favorites.
The International Fest is Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include live performances, an international bazaar and food trucks along with the regular market vendors.
In addition to the larger events, the market will also be holding events throughout the season, including a salsa contest and a honeybee day as two examples, Romans said.