A Certified Commitment to Local Eating: The Canal Winchester Farmers' Market

While many of the farmers’ markets are situated on public sidewalks or in parking lots, the Canal Winchester market's location is something to be desired. 

The gazebo-esque building houses about 25 vendors - both artisans and farmers’ alike. The location is new to the market, says market manager Bruce Jarvis. The market used to span across the side walks on S. High Street in downtown Canal Winchester. However, this set up proved difficult for vendors and customers alike.

“Because most of the vendors wanted to be on a corner, we had to use two side of the street,” said Mr. Jarvis. This set-up forced customers to cross the busy street to shop the full market. Overall, it just wasn’t working and the new space is now in its second year. It is unique to itself, providing an intimate atmosphere and much appreciated shade on hot days.

Another unique component of the Canal Winchester Market is what Mr. Jarvis calls "Market Master Certification”. While most market customers are under the assumption that all farmers’ market vendors are local farmers, this is not always the case. While most vendors do farm their own produce, there are some that purchase produce at auctions and turn around and sell it for a profit. It is not illegal by any means, but it does change the illusion of the farmers’ market slightly. 

That is where the Market Master Certification comes in. Mr. Jarvis has created certificates (see right) for farmers’ with their own produce to display. This certificate means that Mr. Jarvis himself has personally gone and seen their farm and their methods of farming in action. “It’s not that vendors who purchase produce aren’t welcome,” Mr. Jarivs commented, “but they do not display the certificates.” From the customer prospective, this is a great way to shop the market with certainty. 

One vendor at the market who proudly displays their Market Master Certification is Chicory Fields Farm. Having only started working the market the week prior, this cute little stand is a great stop for green eaters. Run by Maggie Hanzlik and her mom, Ann, the whole idea was inspired by Maggie and her love of agriculture. Since she is studying the subject at OSU, Ms. Hanzlik decided to expand her garden at her Pickerington home and see how she could do at the farmers’ markets. 

Maggie Hanzlik, left, with mom, Ann

Chicory Fields Farms offers a variety of greens including chard, basil, and baby kale. Baby kale was Ms. Hanzlik’s own idea. She simply plucked the kale before it was full grown - giving it a softer, sweeter taste. For kale fans, it makes a huge difference! Aside from baby kale, Chicory offers chard and a fun recipe for a summer chard smoothie (post to come!). Along with the rest of the market, the Hanzlik ladies are certain worth checking out.

Upon walking out of the market’s shaded gazebo and down the sidewalk, there are a few scattered vendors still camped on the sidewalk. Mr. Jarvis informed that these few have been a part of the market for years and enjoy their original locations. Though they are just steps from the epicenter of the market, they are not short of business. 

David Herron’s “Fresh Pies” sign would catch the eye of any passer by, and well it should. His homemade pies are more like a crème brûlée or custard and are perfect for summer. Light, sweet, and delicious, his is a booth worth stopping by if you are headed to a cook out and can’t think of what to bring.

With genuine, close to home vendors, a commitment to local foods, and a warm atmosphere, the Canal Winchester farmers’ market seems to do well by its customers and its vendors.