Locally-grown
vegetables, herbs, and flowers galore will fill the Toledo
Farmer's Market at this weekend's 19th annual Flower Day
Weekend.
"It's a very relaxing, enjoyable experience,"
says Dan Madigan, executive director of the market.
The market is booming, he says, due to increased interest
in gardening, healthy eating, raising one's own vegetables,
and supporting local growers.
"One thing we've noticed this year is there's been
a strong desire for vegetable plants as people are trying
to find ways to save money," says Madigan. "And
there's the whole idea of buying local, knowing where their
food is coming from."
On Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 35 local growers and vendors
will fill stalls and surrounding parking lots with flats,
pots, and grave blankets. Master Gardeners will answer questions
and Boy Scouts will assist customers with package pickup.
Ten Mile Creek string band will perform acoustic favorites
from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Flying Rhino Coffee
will sell fresh beverages and two concession trailers will
provide a variety of vittles including perch sandwiches,
Italian sausages, and burgers. Tables and chairs will be
set up on the boardwalk along Swan Creek.
Saturday (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Monday (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.),
the market will operate as usual with the additional sales
of produce, breads, organic honey, and local eggs and beef
that are free from antibiotics and hormones.
The Toledo Farmer's Market also runs markets at Westgate's
Elder-Beerman parking lot from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, and
in Waterville on Tuesday evenings.
Beginning in mid-June, the downtown market will again host
Saturday cooking demonstrations by area chefs using local
produce and offer free samples and recipes.
The poultry house will be open each day, selling eggs, poultry,
and Ohio-made butter and cheese.
In addition, a 70-vendor flea market with a wide variety
of antiques and collectibles will operate in Bay 2 of the
adjacent Erie Street Market, which will be open with three
restaurants and 16 permanent vendors, says Connie Hoffmann,
manager.
Flower Day Weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. The Toledo Farmer's
Market is at the corner of Market and Superior streets on
the southern edge of downtown. Information and map: toledofarmersmarket.org. |
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