South Russell – Geauga Fresh Farmers’ Market will have a new look when it opens for its 18th Season on May 9, the Saturday before Mother’s Day. In keeping with tradition, the market will have a free plant for mothers who attend on Opening Day. However, visitors can expect many changes this year, as the market responds to the additional safety measures now warranted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geauga Fresh Farmers’ Market, established in 2002, is one of Northeast Ohio’s oldest farmers markets. The market’s mission is to provide a place for local farmers to connect with their community and give community members an opportunity to buy fresh, local food. A recent survey showed that despite the health crisis, Geauga Fresh customers are still willing to visit the market in order to find local food.
Geauga Fresh is responding to this need, as well as the need to keep vendors and customers safe, by converting the market into a drive-thru until further notice. Market lovers will be able to order ahead of time by phone, email, or through a vendor’s website, where available, and pick up their orders at the market. Preorders are not required for attending the market, but will help to speed the drive-thru process. The market is seeking volunteers to help with directing traffic and assisting vendors to keep things moving.
Market visitors are being asked not to linger during their visit. No social gathering will be allowed. All market activities including, cooking demonstrations/food sampling, music and special theme days are suspended. In addition, visitors are asked to:
• Wear a cloth face covering, as recommended by CDC guidelines
• Have patience while navigating through the market
• Leave reusable bags at home
• Pay ahead when possible, or have change to reduce money handling
• If experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, do not attend market.
The market season will run through Oct. 17. Geauga Fresh will consider Health Department guidelines in determining whether to reset the design of the market later in the season. Attending vendors include: BB Farm, Bigfoot Mushrooms, Birdsong Farm, Chickabuzz Apiary, Cleveland Field Kitchen, Falls Practical Paleo, Good Stuff Soap, GorDun Farms, Harvest Bell Farm, Hawthorn Springs Greenhouse, HippieChick Noms, Ogden Maple Farm Pepper-Licious, Rock Valley Run, Sandee River Farms, Short & Sweet, Voytko Farms, and Wright Family Farms.
For information, visit the market’s newly updated website at www.geaugafarmersmarket.com, or contact Audrey Hylton, market manager, at geaugaffm@gmail.com or 234-380-7982. Keep up with us on Facebook or Instagram.
