While malls have become associated with national chains, slurpies, pretzels, and teenage pop stars, Easton Town Center has embraced the local farmers’ market scene with their Thursday evening market.
The Easton Farmers’ Market, which runs on Thursdays from 3pm-7pm, is held in the parking lot behind Fado’s Irish Pub. The market boasts roughly 40 vendors from all over Ohio. These vendors are not limited to produce only - there are also local artisans and florists. One vendor adding to the unique market atmosphere is Cindy Lou Bauer of Wild Hen Farm. Ms. Lou Bauer runs a farm in Mt. Perry, OH. Her farm is managed by all females, including two 16 year-old neighbors. Growing the produce, tending the the chickens, and harvesting the ingredients for their herbal teas are only some of the tasks Ms. Lou Bauer and her girls do on their farm. This year her booth includes a variety of peas.
"We do seven markets a week," says, Ms. Lou Bauer. Some of these include Zanesville, New Albany, and of course, Easton.
After loading up on fresh veggies, fruits, and crafts from great vendors like the Wild Hen Farm, patrons can take advantage of the market's Veggie Valet service. Toward the front of the market there is a tent and refrigerated trailer (see below).
The idea is to allow patrons to drop off their purchases and return to pick them up later. Heidi Maybruck the Easton Farmers' Market Manager, says that the Veggie Valet is open till 8pm, allowing customers an extra hour to pull up their cars and retrieve their purchases. Needless to say, the Veggie Valet is an unique feature, only perpetuating a convenient and friendly atmosphere for which so many farmers' markets are known.
