Orrville Farmers Market to make its debut on May 3

As of Saturday, May 3, Orrville is officially home to a brand-new farmers market. The market will take place every Saturday through the end of October from 1-3 p.m. at the Union Depot parking lot, 145 Depot St., Orrville.

In April of last year, the Wayne County Department of Health applied for a grant focused on creating healthy communities. It highlighted Orrville as the first area of focus.

“Orrville has a large population that are considered to have low access to fresh foods and are low income,” said Elesa Eaken, Creating Healthy Communities coordinator for Wayne County.

Meeting monthly with Mayor Matt Plybon and other city organizations, they tackled the tasks of starting a new farmers market and renovating Orr Park to ultimately be the market’s permanent home.

Why a farmers market as a way to address the need?

“Farmers markets are a great way to purchase fresh products, explore the many amazing things that our community creates and help to build a connection to our community,” Eaken said. “They not only help those that attend to find these treasures, but (to connect with) those that produce them.”

Additionally, Eaken said the market is hoping to apply to have WIC coupons enabled. This would allow WIC clients to use the farmers market coupons in exchange for fresh produce. Next year the market would like to apply for the senior voucher program and SNAP.

There are currently 16 vendors and several food trucks signed up for the coming markets. Thus far vendors represent a variety of goods including produce, honey, baked goods, popcorn, flowers, dog treats, handmade skin care, crochet and sublimation. The Orrville Public Library will set up at the market once per month to give away books.

New vendors, food trucks and family-friendly musical acts are still needed. The only request for vendors is all products be produced locally. Anyone interested is invited to call or email Eaken at 330-264-9590 or eeaken@wayne-health.org. There is no vendor fee in the first year. Instead, vendors have the option of donating to help reimburse the market master.

The market also is still in need of a market master — either one individual or a group who would like to share the position. The master oversees the running of the market. For this first season, the position would be primarily volunteer and donations.

“We are excited to bring the Orrville community together through this farmers market,” Eaken said. “This market will not only provide residents with access to fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods, but it will also support our mission to create a healthier community for Wayne County residents.”