Creative in Construction: The Hillard Farmers' Market

Most Columbus commuters can agree upon the frustration brought about by construction. Often times it seems as if the entire city and its' suburbs are being ripped up, torn apart, and paved over. Those orange barrels seem to snicker as traffic is re-routed and groans occur at each detour.

While the construction may lower some spirits, it has left the Hillard Farmers’ Market unphased. Smiling vendors greet their customers, happy that they have braved some of the city’s construction to shop at their market. The market itself has taken to some creative advertising in lou of the construction. No doubt this feature helps encouage those destined for the traffic jam to prolong their fate at the farmers’ market.

Upon entering the market, one of the first booths to stop at is Oink, Moo, Cluck. The name speaks for itself, as the Johnstown farm sells good produced from their livestock. Trisha Woods heads up the farm and the booth at Hillard was staffed by Vicky - a OSU beef production major. Vicky notes that the Johnstown farm only raises the chickens and cows, while their butcher shop in Northeast Ohio raises the pigs. Their farm is all natural. Their are no hormomes used as well as no steriods. However, the animals are sprayed with a topical fly and tick treater. This is done to prevent disease from entering the animals blood stream, as well as improve the comfort of the animal. “It would be like you getting sick and not taking any medication,” says Vicky, “you would be miserable and we don’t want our animals to be miserable.”

Oink, Moo, Cluck specializes in eggs, hot dogs, jerky, bacon, and many others. Their booth was a busy one at the market, with a constant flow of customers sampling and buying.  They can be found at the Dublin, Bexley, Clintonville, and Worthington markets as well as in Hillard. If you are looking for some Ohio raised meats, Oink, Moo, Cluck is worth checking out.

Though the surrounding construction may not be ideal, the Hillard market’s variety and zeal make for a lovely marketing experience. From meats and eggs to berries, zuchinni, and even some international treats, this market presents a well rounded package. 

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. 

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.

A Week in Markets: Markets Listed by Day

Hey markets friends!

To compliment the alphabetical Farmers' Market list (found here), this one lists the markets by what day of the week they fall on. You will notice that Monday and Sunday are not included. This is simply because there are no markets on those days.

Feel free to print this off, post it on the fridge, and market away!

Hope this helps with your market planning! And as always, Happy Marketing!

A Lot to Offer in The Figlio's Lot: The Grandview Farmers' Market

Situated just across the street from the previous year's lot, the Grandview Farmers' Market is bustling with produce, food carts, and new events for the new year. 

Becky Hetteberg, left, and Dorthy Pritchard of the
 Grandview Ave Market

Becky Hetteberg, one of the markets directors, says that this year the market is putting on an event called Farm to Table. This event, which will be held in August. In conjunction with many of the local restaurants on Grandview Ave, the market will offer customers the chance to walk the avenue and try dishes featuring the market's produce. The event will run at the same time as the market, 10-1pm, and will hopefully inspire the market's customers to try new dishes, as well as bring business for their vendors. 

Audra and Michaela Juarez of Cottage Gardens 

Speaking of vendors, nearly every vendor at the Grandview market holds their own. Being a smaller market, their are little to no repeats in produce. While old friends like Allen from Columbus Pasta were there (he was featured here on this blog), new ones were discovered as well. Audra Juarez of Cottage Gardens in Degraff, OH, and her daughter, Michaela, had a very unique crop to share with the Grandview customers. "Popping Corn", pictured below, as Ms. Juarez called it, is exactly what it sounds like - the type of corn used to make pop corn. While that seems simple, Ms. Juarez says that it actually takes quite a while for the corn to be ready (much unlike the 2 minutes or so it take to prepare the traditional movie snack).


Popping corn has to be planted the season prior to harvesting in order for it to be right for, well, popping. "This corn is actually from 2010," Ms. Juarez informed.  She also said that it has be dry out for a few months as well before it's ready for popping. After that whole process is finished, the corn can simply be put in a paper bag, stuck in the microwave for a minute and a half, and then enjoyed right off the cob! Furthermore, if stove top popcorn is more your style, simply shuck the corn off the cob and it's all ready for popping. The Juarez family and their unique treat can be found at not only the Grandview market, but in Clintonville and Worthington as well. If you are in the area, their $1 cobs are worth purchasing for your next movie night.


There was more then popping corn to learn about at the Grandview farmers' market. The market managers, Beth Hetteberg and Dorthy Pritchard, were very informative when it came to some of the backstage details of how a farmers' market runs. Ms. Hetteberg mentioned that her and Ms. Pritchard were unpaid, though the vendors often gift them with produce for their hard work. Though it's volunteer, it is obvious that they love what they do, as well as love the market itself. They are continuing to try and grow the market by petitioning the city of Columbus to allow them to sell on the sidewalk. They also hope to bring in a meat and egg vendor as well, to further diversify their market. It will take time, no doubt, but it will be exciting to see the market grow and change - as it will be with all markets.

The Westerville Farmers' Market

Small markets can seem intimidating because of their intimate size. However, the intimacy is actually a benefit. These markets eliminate a “too crowded” atmosphere that many larger markets can have by default.

The Westerville Farmers’ Market fits into the small, intimate market category. Situated just across the street from the Methodist Church in downtown Westerville, this market boasts quality vendors. 

Along with vendors like Sugar Inc, who have been features here on this blog before, their are vendors like Rohini of Arjay Gourmet Foods Ltd. 

Rohini makes her own, authentic Indian chutney. Chutney, which originated in India, was adopted by the British during colonization. Rohini says that the British version is much sweeter. Authentic Indian chutney varies in flavors based on what’s in it. Rohini makes two spice levels - mild and spicy - and uses different vegetables, fruits, and herbs accordingly. Chutney can be used as a dip or as a spread on toast and sandwiches. More information about Rohini and her chutney can be found at chutneylady.com

Needless to say, Rohini’s authentic chutney adds a certain unique touch to the Westerville market. Furthermore, it’s fun to think that such a unique food with such a long history is made authentically in Columbus, Ohio!

A Place of Relationship: The Clintonville Farmers' Market

Lined up along High St. just North of North Broadway, the Clintonville Farmers' Market draws quite a crowd on Saturday mornings. Most people seem to walk to the market from their homes, while others ride their bikes or simply drive. 

Amidst all the bike helmets, strollers, and dog leashes, the vendors and artisans offer a wide variety of product with a smile. From carrot farms, organic meat producers, and herbs and flowers, a full kitchen could easily be accomplished at this market. 

Meet my little basil plant.

Herbs and spices are a lucrative product at most farmers' markets, and the Clintonville market is no different. There were several booths that offered a variety of plants to round out any garden - herb or otherwise. One vendor, Beth Elder from Terre Verte Farm, based in Mount Vernon, not only had a booth that smelled great, but also offered up a lot of useful information for how to grow your own basil plant. Ms. Elder said to make sure the little guy got a lot of light, not too much water, and to be sure to clip the leaves right at the stem. Furthermore, she said that the basil plant would do just fine in an apartment :)

Herbs and spices are only a segment of what the vendors at the Clintonville market have to offer. In fact, many of the vendors are ones that set up shop at other markets around town. One cheese vendor, Blue Jack Cheese, can be found at 15 markets in a week! Also, the Columbus favorite, Luna Burgers, can be seen at the Worthington and Granville markets as well. It's encouraging to hear that so many vendors hit up multiple markets, only further enhancing their product's exposure. 

Another cool feature of the Clintonville market is their live music tent. Located just out front of the Global Gallery Cafe, the tent features local musicians. This particular Saturday, a folk group called Bohemian Highway entertained the market customers. 

Bohemian Highway were a great addition to the market.

Overall, the market has a great atmosphere. The vibe was very positive and it seemed as if everyone there was invested in supporting the vendors and eating locally. With reusable bags in hands, it was fun to watch the relationships between the customers and vendors. It was apparent that many customers were repeats to certain booth. To one vendor a customer said, "Hi! I'm back! Those raspberries from last week were so good I just had to come back and get more."



If you are ever in Clintonville or feel like making a special trip, the farmers' market is a great way to start a Saturday.

A view of the Clintonville Market lined up on High St.