Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Surprised, Humbled, Honored

Central Ohio boasts some fabulous farmers' markets, so imagine our surprise to learn that The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is Runner Up, along with the North Market, in Columbus Parents' Best of Columbus 2014 readers' poll for Best Farmers' Market in the Family-Focused Business Category.

Congrats to Worthington's Farmers' Market, Columbus Parents' Best Farmers' Market winner!

We are both humbled and honored! Thank you!

We concur, parents really do know best!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: With Gratitude

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you. - Eileen Caddy

We cannot say this enough: New faces and familiar, old friends and new, we are so happy to see you each week! Thank you for giving us the business!!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 17th Market Report

It's a beautiful Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville! While it may be three days away officially, fall is definitely in the air.

The market hours forecast calls for sunny skies, temps in the mid-to-high 60s, low humidity, zero chance of precip, and a 4 mph breeze.  

Today's Market Wednesday line-up includes: Doran's Family Farm, Bridgman Farm, Ohio Farm Direct, Lona Belle's, Annabelle's Blooms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Salsas, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Pleiades Maple Products, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Flying J Farm

Your resource for mighty morphin' power, the Westerville Electric Division, is this week's community partner.

We will not see Rogers Honey this week.

Visit. Taste. Browse. Shop. Enjoy.

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ N. State and E. Home through October 29th.

Have a great day and we'll see you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 10th Market Report

Challah bread from Sugar B Bakery.

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @ N. State & E. Home thru October 29th.

What a great day ahead for a little farm fresh shopping in Uptown Westerville!

Today's weather forecast sounds like it may be the best day this season: Partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the mid-80s, average humidity, a 7% chance of rain, with a 12 to 15 mph breeze.

This week's vendor line-up: Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Bridgman Farm, Ohio Farm Direct, Lona Belle's Home Baked Goods, Annabelle's Blooms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Sauces, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm.

Pleiades Maple is not attending market this week. We'll see Eddie Lou Meimer next week.

This week's community partner is Westerville Police Division.

Of note: Due to some smartphone/facebook connection issues. Any market updates will be posted to twitter today: https://twitter.com/marketwednesday

Broccoli from Doran's Family Farm.

The first of this season's Acorn Squash from Bird's Haven Farm.

Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Bridgman Farm's hallmark cherry tomatoes.

Pears from Branstool Orchards.

Peppers from Bridgman Farm.

Squash varieties From Bird's Haven Farms.

Apples from Branstool Orchards.

Market fare from Flying J Farm.

Sweet potatoes from Flying J Farm.

 Cantaloupe from Doran's Family Farm.

So good! Bean and corn salsa from Montezuma Sauces & Salsas.

Watermelon from Doran's Family Farm.

Onions from Bird's Haven Farms.

Fresh sourdough bread made 

with organic flour from Dan the Baker.

Field-fresh sweet corn at Bird's Haven Farms.

Hot and sweet peppers from Flying J Farm.

Sunflowers from Bird's Haven Farm.

Visit. Taste. Browse. Shop. Enjoy.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Last Week's Vendor Attendance

Life happens. Nature happens. Farming happens. 

Aside from Hartzler Family Dairy, we had several vendor cancellations last week, in the hours just before market, for a variety of very good reasons (one was packed and ready for market, and had to head to the ER - their grandson fell and broke his hand).  

We know some customers were looking for Roger's Honey and we got a very last minute email from Roger. Because of the rain over the previous weekend, he did not have an opportunity to visit his colonies, and to be able to keep bringing honey to market, he had to sacrifice the trip to Westerville.

And. for the second week in a row we could not access facebook via smartphone to keep everyone up-to-date. 

So, we do about what we can do about - we can't anticipate the life events that change our line-up at the last minute (that would take all the fun out of it!) and are working on the technical glitches to keep you informed.

Thank you for your patience. 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Mid-season Roster Change

Important Update and Vendor Roster Adjustment: We heard from Jace and Rachel Hartzler this past week, and Hartzler Family Dairy must reluctantly take a break from the market for the remainder of the season.

First, they are alright. They have a newly mobile 1-year-old so life as they know it has ended (we've been there!), summer help that went back to school (she's a teacher), work schedule conflicts, and are realizing that they can realistically only keep so many plates spinning at one time. They planned on coming to market last week, to let their customers know what was up and say farewell, and could not arrange needed childcare.

Second, in Westerville, we can find Hartzler Family Dairy milk and butter at Raisin Rack and Giant Eagle. So, they'll do in a pinch. : )

As we say at the market: Life Happens. Nature Happens. Farming Happens.

So, we will miss them greatly, they are family. And, we wish them well - we told them they had to come back and visit and share pictures of Owen!! The welcome mat is always out for Hartzler Family Dairy, so whenever they can return, they'll let us know, and you'll be the first to know once we know!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: First Responder Cool

 

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is a proud sponsor of Cops and Kids Day!

Helicopters, SWAT teams, K-9 units, cruisers DARE cars, and games are just a few of the many attractions and features planned for the upcoming Cops and Kids Day.

This kid-focused event is just as interesting and fun for adults!

Kids can cast their vote for the best DARE car and police cruiser, dunk a uniformed police officer in the dunk tank, and mingle with the special police robots.

Refreshments and prizes will be available for children while supplies last. The first 1,000 kids to arrive will receive a free Cops and Kids Day sports pack.

A family-friendly event. Free admission. Free Parking. 

Sunday, September 7th
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 
Hoff Woods Park (556 McCorkle Blvd.)

Photo courtesy of Kathy Cocuzzi.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Meme Wisdom

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Ben Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: September 3rd Market Report

Flying J Farm

It's Market Wednesday in Uptown Westerville! Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through October 29th @ N. State and E. Home.

What a great day to stop by and pick up a little farm fresh! Today, the forecast calls for a sunny day, no chance of rain, temperatures in the mid-80s, and low humidity.

This week we welcome Lyle Linerode of Lona Belle's to the 2014 season. Lona Belle's is a home bakery from Heath, Ohio featuring a selection of family recipe baked goods including cookies, muffins, coffee breads, whoopie pies, and brownies.

The September 3rd Market Wednesday line-up: Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Pleiades Maple Products, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, Ohio Farm Direct, Lona Belle's, Annabelle's Blooms, Blue Jacket Dairy, Montezuma Sauces & Salsas.

We expect to see and are awaiting confirmation from Bridgman Farm.

We will not see Sugar B Bakery this week. Angela is under-the-weather. We wish her well and will see her next week.

This week's community partner is Westerville Senior Center.

Update: We will not see Hartzler Family Dairy and Annabelle's Blooms today. We will see Bridgman Farm.

A Market Wednesday-Uptown Westerville favorite stop is Meza Wine Shop @ 48 N. State (just steps south of the market). Meza features a specially-priced cocktail, usually a sangria, during Market Wednesday hours. Meza has a nice selection of distinct affordable wines from all over the world, and they love to talk wine. Whether you are new to wine pairing or already an enthusiast, the folks at Meza are happy to make pairing suggestions, just ask!

You don't know 'til you try! Tasting samples and good conversation at Market Wednesday are free! Most market vendors feature tasting samples, and there's no pressure to purchase. Try or learn something new!

Browse. Visit. Taste. Shop. Enjoy.

Sweet Thing Gourmet is singin' the blues!

Sunflowers from Bird's Haven Farms.

Market favorite Garlic Asiago Sourdough Bread from Dan the Baker.

Sunlight and shadow. Apples from Branstool Orchards.

Say cheese, please! Delicious cheddar curds from Blue Jacket Dairy.

Beautiful, sweet bicolor from Doran's Family Farm.

Market favorite Maple Puffed Spelt from Pleiades Maple.

Roger's Honey's Creamed Honey and Honey-base Jam.

Tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms.

Montezuma Sauces & Salsas makes delicious fruit salsas!

Annabelle's Blooms beautiful bouquets.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Meme Wisdom

The raw tomato, devoured in the garden

when freshly picked, is a horn of abundance 

of simple sensations,a radiating rush

 in one's mouth that brings with it every pleasure. . . 

a tomato, an adventure.

Muriel Barbery, Gourmet Rhapsody

Cherry tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Locale Flavor

One of the coolest things about visiting a farmers' market is the opportunity to try new things and, sometimes even be on the cutting edge of a new ideas, new foods, and niche crops, like the wild ramps we had in May from Bird's Haven Farms, personal-sized melons from Bird's Haven Farms and Bridgman Farm, and now, young ginger from Swainway Urban Farm.

With it's distinctive pink and white appearance, young ginger is fast becoming an early fall treat. Tender and juicy with a mild flavor that is present, but doesn't overpower, young ginger is harvested when the ginger is just a few months old.

Swainway Urban Farm's Joseph Swain says, "Young ginger has a much sweeter, less bitter flavor with a wider range of uses."

Since, by its nature young ginger doesn't travel well when shipped, it can't be grown very far afield - so locally grown is best. As North Carolina's East Branch Ginger's Susan Anderson explains, "It really has to be grown in a local radius to be marketed very soon after harvest."

Young ginger does not have to be peeled. You can use young ginger the way you would use mature ginger in any recipe.

Young ginger can be frozen. Swainway Urban Farm's Rachel Tayse Baillieul tells us, "We experimented with preserving the ginger last year and found that it keeps about three weeks in the fridge, six months in a ziploc bag in the freezer, and a year in the deep freeze in a vacuum sealed bag. Some customers preserve it by keeping the whole chunk submerged in sherry at room temperature."

Young ginger can be candied or pickled and can be used as an ingredient...

▪ in complementary form with fruits like pears, cranberries, plums, and figs
▪ in Asian Salad
▪ to make Gari, a condiment to serve with sushi and sashimi
▪ in Soup and Stews
▪ in Stir Fry
▪ in Sauces
▪ in Beverages
▪ in Baked Goods (Gingerbread, Ginger Snaps, Cookies)
▪ Grated onto Salads
▪ Grated with Grated Carrots
▪ in Glazes
▪ Or use young ginger in a syrup, like this recipe from Swainway Urban Farm:

Ginger Raw Honey Syrup

Makes: 3-4 cups Time: 45 minutes

2 cups scrubbed fresh baby ginger, chopped

4 cups water
3/4-1 1/2 cups raw local honey, to taste

1. Gently simmer ginger and water in a heavy bottomed pan for 30 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.

2. Pour ginger tea through a strainer to discard ginger pieces.
3. Add honey and stir vigorously.
4. Store in the refrigerator. Use as a base for ginger ale, cocktail mixer, addition to hot tea, or sip as a health tonic.

Swainway Urban Farm's young ginger is $14 per pound; you don't need much young ginger to do a lot, and most by-the-piece purchases run around $4 or less. Check with Rachel at Swainway Urban Farms at the market for recommendations on how much ginger you'll need for the Ginger Honey Syrup.

To learn more about young ginger:

Harmonious Homestead article by Rachel Tayse Baillieul 

NPR article by Laura McCandlish

The Ginger

Earthbound Farms

Old Friends Farm

East Branch Ginger

Great Advice from Real Cooks on Food 52

Washington Post article by Tim Carman

New York Times article by Eugenia Bone

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Live to Honor

An outstretched hand, a kind thought, opening up a child's view of the world, steps to a better environment, a moment of gratitude and remembrance, going the extra mile...

Here's are some important community events coming up in the first part of September:

Saturday, September 6th: The Travis Manion Foundation 911 Heroes Run. An International 5k Event for runners or walkers taking place in select cities to honor "the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11, 2001, and in the wars since: Veteran, First Responder, Civilian, and Military join together to raise awareess and honor the fallen."

This is a pay-to-participate event. $25 for an individual/$80 for a family of four. Starting point is at Alum Creek Park (North), 221 W. Main St. Start time is 9 a.m.

At 8:30 a.m., a special service will start the event featuring speaker Cpl. Mike Strahle (USMC Retired), a surviving member of Lima Co. 3/25. Mike is now the Director of the Eyes of Freedom, the traveling Lima Company memorial tribute, honoring the 23 Lima Co. marines killed in Iraq in 2005. The ceremony will also feature the posting of the colors by the Westerville Division of Police, American Legion and VFW and the Tolling of a bell in memory of those who have passed serving their country and their communities. Bagpipes will start the run off.

Registration for the Heroes run is open now and entry by 11:59 p.m. tonight (August 31st) will guarantee a race shirt and event memorabilia.

For more information, click or tap here.

Saturday, September 6th: 2014 Hazardous Household Waste Collection. The City of Westerville and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) will again host the residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection program, which will be held from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Westerville Public Service Department, 350 Park Meadow Rd.

For more information, click or tap here. 

Sunday, September 7th: Cops and Kids Day. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is proud to be a Cops and Kids Day Sponsor.  This awesome kid-and-family-friendly, free admission, free parking event opens up the world of first responders to kids of all ages. Representatives of law enforcement and rescue from all over the state of Ohio come to Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle. There are all sorts of activities (includng a Dunk-a-Cop tank!) and free refreshments. This is always a fun, well-attended event, and the first 1k children will receive a free giveaway item!

Cops and Kids Day is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

For more information, click or tap here.

Sunday, September 7th: Military Service Appreciation Day at the The Westerville Community Center The center is located @ 350 N. Cleveland Ave. The City is inviting all active and retired military and reserve personnel in the area to free access to use the pool, gymnasium, zenith climbing wall, and track & fitness area during Sunday hours: noon to 5 p.m. Military Service personnel can bring immediate family members for half-price admission for the day as well. (Pool admission is normally $5 for residents and $7.50 for nonresidents. Other fees apply for access to other areas of the building.)

For more information, tap or click here.

Thursday, September 11th: Westerville 9.11 Memorial Service. The City of Westerville and Westerville Police and Fire Chaplains will hold a remembrance service at noon at First Responders Park, 374 W. Main St., just east of Fire Station 111. The service will feature guest speaker Mike Walsh, Retired Firefighter, San Francisco Fire Division, Rescue Squad 2. Music will be presented by Eric Gnezda.

For more information, tap or click here. 

Sunday, September 14th: The Westerville Public Library presents A Community Potluck. As a part of WPL's 2014 Westerville Reads program, the library is sponsoring a twist on an old tradition - a Community Potluck from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 126 S. State in the Meeting Rooms.

This is a free event with pre-registration. The reason for the pre-registration is to list what you'll be bringing to the potluck to avoid duplication.

After the potluck, if you'd like to stay, there is a screening of the 2012 documentary Eating Alabama and join in on a Skype conversation with the film's director, Andrew Beck Grace. Eating Alabama is about a young couple (Andrew and Rashmi Grace) who try to live the way their grandparents did by eating locally and seasonally.

For more information, tap or click here. 

Sunday, September 14th: The 2nd Annual Great Westerville Food Truck Fest. This cool community action event benefits WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry). This event is a full day of family time featuring live music, children's activities, a variety of food truck vendors and the main event: Raising awareness about hunger issues by uniting the community to package 10,000 meal packets, the equivalent of 20,000 meals, to be distributed throughout Westerville!

The Great Westerville Food Truck Fest is from noon until 7 p.m. at Nationwide Children's Close to Home, 455 Executive Campus Drive (near N. Cleveland and W. County Line). Admission is FREE!

For more information, tap or click here. 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Honoring Hard Work

Staff of Culver Art and Frame Co., 

74 N. State, circa early 1900s

We are at our very best, and we are happiest,

when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy

on the journey toward the goal

we've established for ourselves. 

It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. 

It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile. 

Earl Nightingale 

The vendors and management team of the 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market 

wish you a safe, happy Labor Day Weekend! 


Photograph courtesy of Westerville Public Library - 
Local History Photo Archive.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 27th Market Report

Fresh from the fields - cantaloupe from Bird's Haven Farms.

We are looking at a forecast for a typical August afternoon - somewhat "sauna-esque". As of this moment, the accuweather forecast for Market Wednesday in Westerville is partly to mostly sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-80s (real feel close to 90) and a 7 mph breeze.

The forecast shows a slight chance of rain during market hours - 30% to 40%-ish - enough that we should mention it.

If you are feeling the heat at the market, give yourself a break. Gene and Rose from Church of the Messiah, keep ice water and lemonade available (free!), and The Gathering Place building is air conditioned.

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through October 29th @ N. State and E. Home Streets in Uptown Westerville.
 

The Market Wednesday line-up for August 27th: Blue Jacket Dairy, Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Salsas, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Fox Hollow Farm, Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, Bridgman Farm, The Blueberry Patch, Annabelle's Blooms.

We set a place, but don't have a confirmation from Ohio Farm Direct.

Pleiades Maple Products is out this week. Eddie Lou Meimer's grandson, Jake, has a steer in the Morrow County Fair!

Browse. Visit. Taste. Shop. Enjoy.

See you at the market!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: August 20th Market Report

Cherry tomatoes from Bird's Haven Farms.

Overnight storm systems have moved out of Ohio and the Market Wednesday forecast, as of this moment, calls for partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the low 80s, and, with elevated humidity, it may feel warmer and downright muggy. We expect a light breeze this afternoon as well. 

There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and a very low chance of precip until early evening. 

A great afternoon for a little al fresco shopping!

Home grown. Home made. All Ohio. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through October 29th @ N. State & E. Home in Uptown Westerville. 

The August 20th Market Wednesday line-up: Sugar B Bakery, Montezuma Sauces & Sauces, Sweet Thing Gourmet, Dan the Baker, Pleiades Maple Products, Swainway Urban Farm, Branstool Orchards, Bird's Haven Farms, Roger's Honey, Flying J Farm, Doran's Family Farm, Hartzler Family Dairy, The Blueberry Patch, Annabelle's Blooms, Blue Jacket Dairy.

We expect to see, but are awaiting, confirmation from Bridgman Farm and Ohio Farm Direct.

We will not see Fox Hollow Farm this week - they'll be back on August 27th.

We are de-lighted to welcome this week's community partner, Westerville Electric Division.

A Market Wednesday tradition: Each week, Meza Wine Shop at 48 N. State (just steps south of the market) features a specially-priced cocktail during market hours. Whether you're new to wine or have enjoyed wine pairings for years, stop by to see what's new or to pick up some serving suggestions to complement your market purchases from the folks at Meza!

Great produce fresh from the fields and rich soils of Central Ohio and incredible food artisans! Visit. Taste. Browse. Shop. Come join us!

See you at the market!!

 

 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Apple Season is Here!

 

Market Wednesday welcomes Branstool Orchards to the 2014 market season!

Today Marshall and Travis are bringing Redfree, Zestar, Tsugaru, Mollie's Delicious and Ginger Gold apples to market today. 

Like last year, apple selection and purchase will be set up in a Bag Your Own fashion and samples will be provided.

Recommended reading: Check out the Branstool Orchards Blog!

 

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Meme Wisdom

 

If thou tastest a crust of bread, 

thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens.

Robert Browing

Bread from Dan the Baker.