Don't miss local farmers markets in Stark County
For decades, farmers markets were easily defined as places to pick up items grown or produced by a farm or farmers.
Oh, things have changed. These days, the market scene has evolved to include an array of offerings from local operations of all kinds.
The events remain popular, as shoppers take the opportunity to connect those who grow their food ? in many cases their neighbors. As the spring moves into summer, shoppers can find items such as seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, premium meats, seafood, flowers and even handcrafted wares.
One of the biggest perks is produce and other fresh items are offered at their peak. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, more than 85% of farmers market vendors travel fewer than 50 miles to bring their goods to shoppers. More than half traveled less than 10 miles.
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Know how to recognize the real farmers. Peaches or fresh tomatoes for sale in April? Talk to the vendor and, if it’s local in-season produce you want, be sure they’re not a wholesaler or reseller.
Remember that the dollars you spend go to the small farm operations. American farmers receive an average of 14.3 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food, according to the National Farmers Union. The rest goes to marketing, processing, wholesaling, distributing and retailing. By comparison, farmers selling at local markets made upwards of 90 cents on the dollar, which benefits the local economy.
Another change in markets is that many operate longer terms in the year than ever before. For instance, the North Canton Farmers Market is celebrating its fifth year, and is Stark County’s only year-round indoor and outdoor market.
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If you're new to the farmers market scene, here try these tips to enhance your experience:
Arrive early for prime picks and take a leisurely stroll to survey the offerings.
Focus on items that are ubiquitous across vendors – a sure sign of seasonal freshness.
Engage with vendors, asking about their farming practices and seeking culinary inspiration. Explain what you're looking for, and see if they'll help you pick the best options.
Remember, your purchase supports local agriculture.
Set a budget and keep an eye out for end-of-day bargains.
Don't forget to bring along essentials like reusable bags, a cooler for perishables, water to keep you hydrated on hot days, and cash in small denominations if not using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or other nutritional program benefits.
Most markets are held rain or shine, unless an inclement weather warning is in effect.
Farmers markets have become a "community." Enjoy the experience with your neighbors. Be spontaneous. Leave a little wiggle room and purchase those strawberries you didn’t know would be at the market so early, or the zucchini blossoms you’ve never tried before.
Try these markets
Here’s a listing of upcoming farmers markets in Stark County for the 2024 season.
Alliance Area Farmers Market
At the northeast corner of East State Street and South Union Avenue, near Alliance Community Hospital, in Alliance from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from June 22 through Oct. 5.
Canal Fulton Lions Club Farmers Market
At Northeast Stark Senior Citizens Center, 853 Locust St. in Canal Fulton, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays from July 19 through Sept. 27.
Canton Farmers Market
At 340 4th St. NW in Canton from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from June 29 through Oct. 5. Note, free parking available at nearby Eric Snow YMCA.
Hartville Hometown Meats and Seafood Farmers Markets
At the shop at 6817 Wales Ave. NW in Jackson Township from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays from June 8 through October.
Jackson Township Farmers Market
In the parking lot off Community Parkway in Massillon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays from July 11 through Sept. 26.
Louisville Downtown Market Days
At St. Louis Church, 300 N. Chapel St. in Louisville from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays from June through September.
North Canton Farmers Market
At North Canton Civic Center, 845 W. Maple St., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays from May through mid-December; and on first Wednesdays from January through April.
RiverTree Church Farmers Market
At 1600 Main Ave. W in Massillon from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays from June through September.
720 Markets
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22 at Duncan Plaza in Massillon.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at Hoover Park in North Canton.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21 at St. Paul’s Church in North Canton.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at 720 Market in the 'Ville in Hartville.
720/Side Street MKTS
At Oakwood Square Plaza, 2610 Easton St. NE in Plain Township, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month from June through October, excluding August.
Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market
At Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds, in front of Horticultural Building, 259 S. Tuscarawas Ave. in Dover, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays from June 5 through Oct. 9, except fair week.
Reach Bev at [email protected] or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark farmers markets are about to open. Seven ways to get the most
