Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Stormy Weather

For the first time in 5 seasons, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market closed early due to weather on September 22nd.

A "red cell on the radar" storm approached the market at incredible speed around 4:45 p.m. and the storm moved in so fast, market vendors were still loading out and patrons were rushing to their cars as the high velocity storm moved through.

Weather reports the next day indicated computer models of the storm underestimated the velocity and intensity of the storm.

A tribute to the vendors at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Vendors who were already packed and ready to go, stayed behind among the sirens, inches of standing water, winds, and pelting icy rain to help their fellow vendors pack up to clear out. No one left behind.

Reports of a spinning farmhouse, girl in pigtails, and a little dog flying by during the storm could not be confirmed.

Thanks to photographer Gary Gardiner of Westerville Life for capturing this moment during one of our most memorable markets ever and for staying behind to help vendors load out in the powerful elements.

Pictured: Before the Deluge. Photo courtesy of Gary Gardiner. Used with persmission.