New outdoor market comes to Uhrichsville

Months of planning went into creating a new farmers market in Uhrichsville, which had a July 14 opening and will run the second and fourth Friday in July, August and September from 5-8 p.m. The market on Third Street grew from a desire among organizers to create the most inclusive and community-oriented market possible.

“I began by wanting to volunteer to help another local market,” said Whitney Manson, one of those who have been laboring to bring the market to fruition. “There were accessibility concerns, and we really just wanted to start fresh at a great location.”

Manson, along with Uhrichsville business owners Laura Gray and Jessika Zontini, began working on a plan for the market in February of this year.

“We actually tried to do something in the fall of last year,” Manson said, “but we felt it was important to have local food trucks on hand, and they were all long booked solid by then. We decided to wait and begin this summer. We wanted to have a really great market, so we went to other markets to learn. The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market has been a great resource and a huge help in getting this going. They have been so great to us.”

Cooperation also was secured from the city, which agreed to a street closure to set them on their way. “There is a giant, beautiful mural downtown,” Manson said, “which shows the city as it used to look. That’s our backdrop for the farmers market.”

The goal at the beginning was to try and secure 10 vendors for the market’s first iteration, which quickly became 20 or more. “It is beyond our expectations,” Manson said. “And we have two or three food trucks plus live music. It has all come together better than we expected.”

The market includes plenty of fun for children, and the Claymont Public Library also is there with hands-on activities.

Many local shops and boutiques will be open during the market including Zontini’s Pindrop Shop, Gray’s Fibers By Laura at Brigadoon Homestead and Manson’s Camp the Backyard.

“There’s much more charm to Uhrichsville than people tend to give credit,” Manson said. “There are a lot of people creating spaces for people to do fun things downtown. We want to connect people to local farmers and connect people to local artists. The farmers market will offer all that.”

The market will feature locally grown produce, micro greens, honey, sourdough bread and focaccia, lemonade, and other handmade goods.

The goal is to become a nonprofit organization, Manson said, which will allow the market to be even more inclusive.

“At that point we will be able to apply to accept SNAP and other means of payment. We want to make this market as inclusive for area families as we possibly can. There are families who need access to fresh produce and healthy ingredients most of all. We will be working to do all we can to make that happen,” Manson said.

Manson said the organizers of the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market have been helpful in providing guidance and advice in reaching nonprofit status.

“We plan to keep the market going year after year, getting bigger and better,” Manson said. “It should be convenient for families. We chose Friday nights because we thought that would be the easiest time for people to come and take advantage of all the market has to offer.”

Still, Manson and her fellow organizers are aware of all they don’t know about the process.

“We are learning as we go, figuring things out, planning as best we can. We’ve been able to do all this via emails and electronic meetings, which has eased the burden for all of us with young families. We will keep growing and learning through the process,” Manson said.

The Uhrichsville Farmers Market is on Third Street downtown.