A Modern Town Square: The Reynoldsburg Farmers' Market

Traditionally, the town square was a large, open area in the center of a town or city, whose purpose was a place of community. Friends, neighbors, and business people would use the square as a place to gather. It was a place where old friends would reconnect, business owners would network, and politics, ideas, general goings-on could be discussed. It was a social networking hub. To some, the concept seems outdated and now replaced by a parade of websites and phone apps that do our socializing for us. 

However, the local farmers’ market leands the differ to being begged. 

The market had a great crowd for their July 7thopening day! 

Tucked down a windy road just to the right of downtown Reynoldsburg, there exists the modern town square - the farmers’ market. Vendors pitch up on a thin stretch of grass and customers flock to their booths. While the market itself is small, its' traffic is heavy. This has been true of the market since day one, says market manager Nadie Morse. “When we started four years ago, we only had six or seven vendors,” says Morse, “and we had about 1,000 people show up!” 

Market manager Nadine Morse, left, with
volunteers Chris and Sandy Long.

Now boasting 18-22 vendors weekly and the customers to match, Reynoldsburg has even more to be proud of then a successful market. The city itself is credited with the invention of the modern tomato. The city is nicknamed "The Birthplace of the Tomato" and holds a festival each August in celebration. Ms. Morse said that the market will run events in coordination with the festival, including featuring a variety of tomato products. 

Tomatoes will be the stars of the market during
the Tomato Festival, which runs August 19th-20th

Needless to say, the Reynoldsburg market has a lot going for it - it is a place of great social connection, excellent produce and product, high traffic, and exciting tradition. When asked why she thinks the market remains successful, Ms. Morse explained that the markets location, atmosphere, and friendly vendors make it all possible. But she also goes back to that town square idea- that the market is a centrally located gathering place. “I’ve seen people who used to be neighbors reconnect here at the market.” says Morse, “It’s not that they moved far away, just to a different part of Reynoldsburg.”

In Reynoldsburg, as in many of Greater Columbus suburbs, the farmers’ market - be it large or small - is acting as a place where Facebook, iPhones, and emails are being set aside for genuine human connection.