Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 2008

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 24th Market Report

It is officially Fall 2008, and as the leaves begin to change, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market colors and textures are changing as well.

The sunny vibrant colors of tomatoes and peppers brighten the market, and we are now starting to see the calm, muted sunshine hues of green beans, sweet potatoes, redskin potatoes, winter squash, apples, garlic, and pumpkins.

As always, the market is a fun, hands-on experience for kids -- the market is a great place for kids to taste new flavors and pick out mini-pumpkins for less than $1, maple-leaf maple sugar lollipops for 25-cents, and a fresh, crisp apple for just 50-cents. (The facial on kids last week as they picked out there fresh apple were priceless!)

And, for kids of all ages, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a great place to meet the person who grew or made the foods for tonight's dinner table.

Jane Varley of Varley Valley Products sent us a market report -- click here to read Jane's post.

Market vendors are our neighbors right here in Central Ohio and they feature produce (organic, chemical-free, and conventional), meats and poultry, eggs, chutneys, jams, jellies, maple syrup, sauces, fresh-baked goods, specialty foods like halvah, cheeses, flour, flowers, honey, mustard, and herbs, spices (including garam masala) & rubs.

Re-usable market bags are available for just a $3 donation to the W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Program (help people in need get healthy, fresh foods at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market). Check with your favorite market vendor or stop by Amish Originals Furniture Co. at 8 N. State.

See you at the market!!

Pictured: Pumpkins from Doran's Family Farm.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Varley Valley Products September 24th Market Report

It's market day in Uptown Westerville!

Jane Varley of Varley Valley Products (delicious breads and jams) shares:

My power is finally back on so I have been baking up a storm. I will have the following breads: challah loaf, orange swirl, lemon swirl, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon raisin swirl, parmesan herb white, whole wheat, totally wheat, and parmesan peppercorn wheat.

I will be bringing the following jams and jellies: Black Raspberry Jelly, black raspberry jam (half of the seeds removed), strawberry peach, strawberry rhubarb, and spiced tomato. I am bringing the following low sugar jams and jellies: Blueberry, brandied plum, strawberry, spiced plum, tomato basil, mango chutney, and hot mango chutney.

As some of you know, I live smack in the middle of a large woodlot. I was very lucky with the windstorm. Although I lost a huge red oak and two shagbark hickory trees, none of them were near the house or driveway. Like many people, I was without power for about 5 days. However, I am blessed with incredible neighbors. My next door neighbors, Steve and Renata Snyder were kind enough to offer me power from their generator (which they had borrowed from a friend from bible study). They could have chosen to use all of the power themselves so that they would have more conveniences (like a stove or microwave). Instead, they offered to power my refrigerator/freezer and my big freezer, along with one light and a TV (they used the remaining power to power the exact same things in their house). Because of this, I did not lose any food. I am lucky to live in a real (although small) community. Steve mows my lawn for me (a huge help because of my bad knee). His son cleans my gutters and blows leaves off of my roof. Other neighbors plow my 350 foot driveway for me. Several neighbors will look after my 4 dogs if I have to be away too long. Three of the men in the neighborhood help me with home fixit stuff and heavy things. Another neighbor uses their van to transport large things that I need to buy. And the list goes on and on – I am truly blessed.

Jane Varley
614-523-0754

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Westerville Ranked No. 5 on Money Magazine's Best Places for Affordable Homes

The editors of Money Magazine have named Westerville as one of CNN/Money Magazine's 2008 Top 25 Best Places for Affordable Homes in the nation.

As a matter of fact, Westerville is #5 on the list!

Money Magazine says...

There's no shortage of charm in Westerville, Ohio's largest suburb. Historic architecture has been preserved in Uptown Westerville, where 19th century homes mingle with bed and breakfasts, mom-and-pop stores, and a weekly farmer's market in the summer.

Prefer newer real estate? Two-bedroom condos sell for $160,000 to $399,000. Residents count on two large hospitals as well as plenty of small practices to keep them in good health.

Head to Hoover Reservoir for afternoon sailing or kayaking, or buzz on over to Alum Creek Lake for some water skiing. Landlubbers can admire the scenery at Alum Creek while picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach.

Home-made. Home-grown. Shop at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, each Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through October 29th at the corner of N. State and E. Home.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 17th Market Report

September at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market means the best bounties of summer remain and early autumn harvests begin to appear. Winter squash and small pumpkins are starting to appear and the tomatoes cannot be sweeter. Stop by the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market today and enjoy the fruits of the seasons.

Reusable market bags are here! Stop by Amish Originals Furniture Co., at 8 N. State St., on your way to the market today, or ask your favorite market vendor. Pick up the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market bags for just a $3 donation to the W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Program.

Pleiades Maple Syrup has added two new products a maple barbecue sauce and a maple vinaigrette. Stop by Plieades Maple Products today to check out Eddie Lou Meimer's delicious Ohio maple syrup, lollipops (kids love the 25-cent maple leaf maple candy lollipops), maple products, and the new gourmet sauces.

Bridgman Farm, Taste of Seattle Coffee Co., and Varley Valley will not be at this week's market.

A Feast for the Senses! The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market currently features these vendors:

▪ Agape Garden
▪ Arjay Gourmet Foods
▪ Bird’s Haven Farm
▪ Blue Jacket Dairy
▪ Bridgman Farm
▪ Buckeye Mustard
▪ Carousel Water Gardens & Cathy’s Tasty Treats
▪ Cat Run Ranch
▪ Doran’s Family Farm
▪ Honey Health Farms
▪ Flower Power Gourmet
▪ Flying J Farm
▪ Frijolito Farm
▪ Landrum Cottage Designs (we'll see Dana in October)
▪ Malabar Acres
▪ Northridge Organic Farm
▪ Pleiades Maple Products
▪ Snowville Creamery (they are week-to-week right now depending on supply)
▪ Sue's Kitchen
▪ Taste of Seattle Coffee Company
▪ Varley Valley Products

Market produce is organic, chemical-free, or conventional. Check your weekend shopping list, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market can be your tailgating headquarters.

Want to know more about our market vendors? Great! Click here to visit the Market Directory.

See you today at the market!

If you can -- make an afternoon of it or stop by after school -- Shop Uptown Westerville and pick up dinner ingredients at today's market.

Kids love the market -- they can taste new flavors and find affordable, healthy foods to choose and purchase! (Kids always end up at Flower Power Gourmet -- they love the flower and herb infused baked goods!)

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a fluid community. Vendor appearance each week may vary.

Pictured: Market bags at Bridgman Farm. Pleiades Maple Syrup.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Welcome Honey Health Farms

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market welcomes Honey Health Farms of Marysville.

Honey Health Farms features natural raw honey and honey products including bee pollen, moisture cream, and lip balm.

Stop by and visit Dale Benedict on your next market visit!

Click here to check out Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Vendor Directory.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: In the News

Check out Lin Rice's story about the Uptown Westerville Farmers Market in the September 4th edition of ThisWeek Community Newspaper, Westerville.

Click here to read story.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 10th Market Report

What a beautiful day to shop at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market!

Sue Renner of Sue's Kitchen shares: Today Sue's Kitchen has lots of peach pie, big and little. The apples are wonderful and sweet so there will also be Apple Walnut Streusel Bread- also my sample today. There will be Apple and Cherry pies, cookies and Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls. Check out the Peanut Blossom cookies with Candy Corn kisses-CUTE! Seeya there, Sue.

We will not see Varley Valley today.

As the seasons begin to change, so does the produce selection, which remains colorful and rich in flavors. We are starting to see some fall squash and there is still plenty of sweet corn.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market bags are available at your favorite market vendor or at Amish Originals Furniture Co. , 8 N. State, for a minimum $3 donation to the W.A.R.M. Fresh Green Program.

See you at the market!

Pictured: Pears from Carousel Water Gardens.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 3rd Market Report

This week, we have a gorgeous day, perfect for a trip to the market.

Snowville Creamery will have milk at this week's market.

Jane Varley of Varley Valley will be here with bread! Challah loaf, lemon swirl, orange swirl, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon raisin swirl. Jane will also be bringing her fabulous jams, including.... Tomato spice (lemony and spicy and oh so good), black raspberry jelly (my favorite but it is pricey because of the labor involved), and black raspberry jam (half of the seeds are removed).

Remember market bags are here! Just a minimum $3 contribution to the W.A.R.M Fresh Green program -- ask your favorite market vendor!

Pictured: Sweet peppers from Northridge Organic Farm.

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What makes a farmers' market
such a special place, is that
you're actually creating
community around food.

- Chef Bryant Terry

Home-made. Home-grown. All Ohio.
The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market

Beginning in May, Pre-Order/Pre-Pay

Drive-Thru Pick-Up, Wednesdays

from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

in the parking lot behind

64 E. Walnut*

*Eventually, Market Wednesdsay

will open in a traditional

market format, Wednesdays,

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

at 17 E. Home Street (the

southeast corner of N. State and

E. Home Streets

in Uptown Westerville

Date To Be Announced

Check It When You Arrive

The market is a safe place.

There are times and places for everything and the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is not a place for commercial outreach, causes, campaigns, or candidates. No unapproved solicitation of market patrons or vendors permitted.

We want our market patrons to feel they can enter and leave the market unencumbered, be undistracted from their children, and just completely enjoy their trip to the market.

Please note that the market takes place on private property. Sidewalks are public spaces, and with that, we expect common courtesy, common sense, and a knowledge-of and respect-for applicable laws.

Discretion is the better part of valor and in the end will win you more friends.

Thank you for being so understanding.

Traffic and Safety

Click here for Westerville construction information.

Put It Down: Westerville has a no texting activity while driving law.

September is Distracted Driving Prevention Month in Ohio.

Stop Distracted Driving: Maria's Message.

The traffic light at N. State and E. Home operates during market hours, including the crosswalk signs.

There are bike racks in Rotary Park on the southeast corner of N. State and E. Home.

Market Space Parking Lot:

The market space is a parking lot, but on Wednesdays from May through October, it becomes a marketplace - a center of commerce - and it not a place for public parking.

The lot closes off in early Wednesday morning (if you need a time, go with 6:00 a.m.) until 6:30 p.m.

The market space is available for drop-off and pick-up for parents and caregivers for kids going to Our Day, a daycare center located at Messiah. So, you will see cars in that lot in the mornings and at lunchtime.

Please help the market by staying out of that lot on Wednesdays, May through October. (There is parking directly east of that space.)

Truly appreciated!

When it comes to parking:

Parking is free and readily available on-street, in adjacent lots directly to the east and south of the market, and in public spaces and lots throughout Uptown Westerville.

The farmers' market space is open only to vendor vehicles from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for market set-up, and then pedestrians from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is no patron parking directly north of the market lot - that's where the vendors pull in.

When you see an orange cone and a Do Not Enter or No Parking sign - don't go there!

Park in actual striped parking places - do not make your own space. Please do not block throughways or double-park behind vendor vehicles. Always prepared - we make sure there is access for emergency vehicles; should someone's life depend on it, we want to be ready. We guarantee you won't be stopping by for just a minute, so please do not double-park or park perpendicular to another vehicle.

There is no such thing as a sweet corn, honey, or peach emergency!

No kind action ever stops with itself. - Amelia Earhart

Take a beat. Be courteous. Be safe.

Everyone who touches the market, fuels its success, and we appreciate your help!

We wish we didn't have to mention this, but we do: Make sure your parked vehicles are locked; please secure any valuables out-of-sight.

When school is in session in Westerville, including Emerson School at N. Vine and E. Home in the Market Wednesday neighborhood, be aware of school zone speed limits, traffic light turn-right-on-red restrictions, and school bus, bike, and crosswalk activity.

Click here to visit Paving the Way for traffic alerts and updates throughout Central Ohio.

Click here to visit OhGo.

Be Safe.

Forms of Payment and Uptown ATMs

With the exception of Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Market Wednesday vendors accept major debit and credit cards, cash, and checks.

ATMs:

Middlefield Bank, 17 N. State, near W. Main, ATM at the drive-thru behind the bank

Union Savings Bank, 44 S. State, @ Winter St., across from City Hall

Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Kemba ATM inside library entry way

Bope Sunoco, 150 S. State @ the corner of E. Walnut and S. State

Food Programs

Franklin County LifeCare Alliance Senior Farmers' Market coupons (fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey) are currently accepted at Bird's Haven Farms and Doran's Family Farm.

In 2018, select Market Wednesday vendors are participating in the Delaware County Senior Market Program (through SourcePoint). Participating Vendors: Hinton Apiaries and Bird's Haven Farms.

WIC Farmers' Market Program coupons are accepted (fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut herbs) at Doran's Family Farm and Bird's Haven Farms.

The market does not currently accept EBT or SNAP cards.

The WARM Fresh Green Program has been retired. (WARM can now accommodate fresh produce on-site, including an on-site garden.) To read more, scroll to About the UWFM below for details.

Market Wednesday FAQ's

So, I can't make it to the market between 3 and 6 - anyway you can stay open until 7?

We appreciate the question.

First, our farm-based vendors drive as long as 2 hours to arrive in Westerville on Wednesday afternoons (and have sometimes been in the fields since as early as 2 a.m.), that also means up to 2 hours to head home. And, they all have working farms and must return to their farms and complete the work they have to do to end the day as they prepare for the next. It really is fresh-baked, and often, food artisans need to go home to prepare their foods for the next market on the next day.

Additionally, some vendors - to make best use of the trip to Greater Columbus - have deliveries to make before and after Market Wednesday.

The market sets up in a space graciously provided by Church of the Messiah and we need to work within their schedule - they vacate the space on our behalf on Wednesdays and have lots of activities Wednesday evenings - and in classic Uptown Westerville fashion, one event winds down and cars begin arriving for the next activity as we finish up our load-out at the end of the day.

We have considered and tested extended hours - market management has twice (2006 and 2009) publicized and tested longer hours and market hours correspond to actual market activity and interest - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Can't get to the market until 5:30 or 6? Talk to your favorite vendor - most vendors are happy to save back fresh produce and artisan goods for 'on your way home from work' pick up.

Thank you for your interest in buying fresh and buying local. Central Ohio has the good fortune of an abundance of farmers' markets almost every day of the week, including weekends.

So, check out Ohio Proud's Farmers' Market Directory.

It's 2:54 p.m. and I want my peaches and sweet corn now! What's up with the no sales before 3 p.m???

The market is a place of business that opens at 3 p.m.

Our vendors know that market set up is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors arrive from all points of the compass for market and need to set up shop - parking their vehicles, putting up their tents, setting up tables, and preparing their samples and merchandise for sale. (Were that we were all Samantha Stevens of Bewitched and we could wiggle our noses and voila! a vendor space is ready for business.)

There is no such thing as a peach, sweet corn, or pie emergency.

Opening sales are not up to the vendor. As a policy, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market management wants each vendor to start on a level playing field, which includes the opportunity for vendors to be able to safely access their market space (and not worry about pedestrian traffic). Market Wednesday doesn't open for business until each vendor is set up and ready to go. And, that's at 3 p.m. Not 2:59, 3 p.m.

Even though you may arrive before 3 p.m., feel free to walk about, bring something to read, talk with friends, or just sit and take a moment, but let the vendors continue their set up and prep - there really are no sales until 3 p.m.

In our world of 24/7 shopping, farmers' markets operate at a different pace - a slower one! So, manage your expectations - arrive after 3 p.m., or if you arrive ahead of time, take a moment for yourself - take a deep breath and enjoy the day.

When can I buy sweet corn?

All Market Wednesday produce is grown locally.

Life happens, nature happens, farming happens, so no good produce before its time. Availability of market produce moves with the seasons in Central Ohio.

Roughly, May into June we see asparagus, rhubarb, leaf lettuces, greens, swiss chard, kale, radishes, turnips, kohlrabi, green onions, strawberries, herbs, broccoli, garlic scapes, and garden plants.

(Short season - we may see strawberries, just two or three weeks, by the way.)

In June, peas, and snap peas, but just for a few weeks.

Then, in mid-July we see peaches, sweet corn, potatoes, summer squashes, and in late July and early August, we start seeing the rich colors of summer crops like beets, tomatoes, tomatilloes, eggplant, summer squashes, peas, garlic, beans, melons, cabbage, cucumbers, and peppers, moving onto late August, September, and October with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, along with apples, squashes, and pumpkins.

All product availability is subject to Ohio weather over time.

Eating locally-grown vegetables and fruits that are planted in Central Ohio soil to thrive and ripen in the warm, bright Ohio sun is a flavor-rich experience!

For an Ohio produce availability chart - click or tap here. (PDF)

Are prices negotiable?

In a word: No.

Just like the grocery store, prices are as marked.

A farmers' market as a rule is not a place to haggle over prices.

What about quality and standards?

The Ohio Department of Agriculture inspected the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market in 2010, 2012, and 2017. The market and its vendors passed all inspections.

In 2011, the market worked with Franklin County Public Health via an informal review, where vendors could ask questions and talk with the area FCPH inspector.

Produce, meat & poultry, egg, dairy, bakery, and cottage food vendors are held to a standard by federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. To participate in the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, vendors must agree to respect and meet those standards.

Meat & poultry, egg, and dairy are inspected by Franklin County Public Health. Produce, bakery, and cottage foods are inspected by the State of Ohio Department of Agriculture. The State of Ohio and Franklin County comply with all current federal laws and regulations.

Market Wednesday vendors will feature produce that can be conventionally-grown, chemical-free, certified organic, naturally-raised, or organic. Ask your vendor; they are happy to answer any questions you may have.

A farmer can only be certified organic to claim the term 'organic.' A certified organic farm must be certified by the USDA as organic, which means that the farm (including even beehives) goes through an inspection process by certified government officials to insure that an organic farm meets USDA standards (including organic farming methods and no impact on the environment such as contamination from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other non-organic compounds).

New artisan vendors cannot do business at Market Wednesday until the Ohio Department of Agriculture has reviewed their labels.

The first day of each market season, Franklin County Weights and Measures visits the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market to certify vendor scales.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market must register annually with the State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture. The market voluntarily registers annually with the USDA. Additionally, this market must file for an annual conditional use permit with the City of Westerville, Planning and Development Division.

At this market, by our standards, produce must be fresh-picked, raised by the vendor selling it, and raised in Ohio. Plants and flowers must be raised in Ohio by the vendor as well. Animals raised to provide food must be raised by the vendor. Artisan foods and products must be made by the vendor.

Vendors selling frozen and refrigerated items must comply with state and county regulations. By Ohio law, meats and poultry must be processed by a state approved plant and sold frozen. Eggs and dairy products are sold refrigerated.

If we have questions, we ask, and you should, too. Get to know your favorite vendors. If you have questions about any product at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, please don't hesitate to ask the vendor.

For more information:

Franklin County Public Health

State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture

USDA, AMS, Farmers Markets

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Vendor Information

Westerville Heritage Depot

To celebrate our historic sense of community, the Westerville Legacy Depot facility pays homage to the old Westerville train depot and features restrooms, a water fountain (with dog waterer), open-air picnic dining, bike parking, a fireplace, an info kiosk, and bench seating. Located on the Bike/Hike trail near E. Park Street and Summit Street in Hanby Park, the depot also features hallmark panel images of Westerville's history and info for a walking tour of Westerville landmarks. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market proudly contributed to this community project by purchasing a brick for the station. For more information, click on the depot image.

About the UWFM

Food is our common ground, our universal experience. - James Beard

Located in Central Ohio, just minutes from Columbus, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is located in historic Uptown Westerville. The Uptown Westerville neighborhood is the home of city government, commerce, and community. Uptown Westerville features an eclectic mix of residences and buildings dating back to the 1800s, tree-lined brick streets, parks, Otterbein University, Westerville Public Library, activities, traditions, and culture. A marketplace destination, Uptown Westerville is a great place for people to live, work, shop, meet, eat, and play.

Home-grown. Home-made. All Ohio. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market has been open for business at N. State and E. Home since 2006 with 5 market vendors.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market management team is entirely volunteer and market vendor fees are all invested back into the market focusing on market logistics, community outreach, and market promotion.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers Market supports W.A.R.M. ~ the Westerville Area Resource Ministry.

For several years, WARM and Market Wednesday teamed up so farm fresh, healthy foods could be available to everyone in the Westerville City School District, no matter the need, creating the WARM Fresh Green Program.

Now, thanks to the generosity of the community, WARM has commercial-grade refrigeration, so plentiful supplies of fresh produce and foods are available to clients at WARM and the Fresh Green Program can be retired.

It's not always necessary to be strong, but to feel strong. - Jon Krakauer

No one makes reaching out to a help organization a life goal. And, Westerville Area Resource Ministry is an outreach and empowerment resource that steps up to the plate every day to help people in a respectful and dignified way to help themselves. As they say, "WARM is a hand up, not a hand out."

To learn more about WARM's programs and services, click here.

If you would like to contribute to WARM, thank you ~ make checks payable to WARM, 150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio, 43081 or visit the WARM website to donate via bank card. Contributions to WARM are tax deductible.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market (Market Wednesday) is not affiliated with any other markets or events.

© 2008 - 2020 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. All rights reserved. Images used with permission.

About Our Logo

We chose a ginkgo leaf to represent the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. The City of Westerville planted ginkgo trees along State Street in Uptown Westerville and as they grow and mature they will become a distinctive presence along State St. Ginkgo trees are among the oldest trees on the planet (millions of years) and have survived untold earthly disasters. The ginkgo represents simplicity, endurance, prosperity, hope, resilience, peace, and longevity, and not only does it represent Uptown Westerville, it represents the farmers' market. The ginkgo leaf color reflects the color of the ginkgo leaf in our 3 market seasons: spring (pale green), summer (rich green), and fall (golden yellow).