The 2015 Fayette County Farmers’ Market closed out its season with a final sale day on Wednesday at TSC in Washington C.H., and according to the market manager David “Jam Man” Persinger, it has continued to grow.
This year a special announcement was made for the Farmers’ Market. In addition to the Saturday morning markets from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the corner of East and Main streets in Washington C.H., organizers included a Wednesday afternoon/evening market from 4 to 7 p.m. at the TSC (Tractor Supply Company) parking lot located at 1650 Columbus Ave. every week. One other exciting announcement was the transition into having only local producers sell at the markets, something Persinger said they have worked on for every bit of five years now.
“We started in 2010 when the OSU Extension Office gave it over to us to be organized,” said Persinger, owner of Persinger Produce and Cottage Goods. “We needed volunteers and over the years three, Debra Grover, Hilda Downs and Mary Chrisman, have all stepped up to the plate and have helped to continue growing the market. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work. I would also like to thank Gamma White at Sunshine Laundry for her hospitality in allowing us to use her facilities.”
The Farmers’ Market this year included other interesting attractions that were new or made a return from previous years. Horney’s BBQ stand made an appearance at the market for a couple of events, grilling/cooking/tasting demos were held throughout the season, the OSU Master Gardeners’ annual Plant Swap was held, the Master Gardeners also held their Spring Fling, Brigette Hisey from Fayette Soil & Water shared valuable information about pollinators, organizers held the Senior Farmers’ Market for a chance to help senior citizens save money on fresh and local produce, as well as having many varieties of vegetables and fruits all season long.
“Between the city putting up banners, the commissioners and township allowing us to put up the sign outside of town, and the Fayette County Farm Bureau and Travel and Tourism board helping with funding, we have received so much support from the community,” Persinger said. “And of course all of the support from the local patrons has been amazing. It has been really interesting to see some people reunite with old friends and rekindle relationships at the market. We are looking forward to the 2016 season.”
