Wooster Farmers Market kicks off May 16

The Wooster Farmers Market returns to the square downtown for the season May 16 and will run Saturdays through Oct. 10. Market hours are 8 a.m. to noon, with a sensory-friendly hour from 8-9 a.m. There will be live music from 9-11 a.m. sponsored through a partnership with the City of Wooster and an Ohio Arts Council grant. The market goes on rain or shine.

“The market brings people together to support area farmers, bakers and artists who bring a unique shopping atmosphere to downtown Wooster," said Morgan Lang, farmers market coordinator. "It attracts people from all over, both weekly regulars and out-of-town guests who are looking for something to do.”

This year marks the 29th year for Wooster’s seasonal market. There will be a large variety of vendors selling everything from fresh local produce, eggs, meat/poultry, honey and teas to home-baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, wine, artisanal crafts and more. New to the market this year will be a made-to-order crepe booth by local chef Creperie Savoie, as well as a new potter, a dog treat vendor and a produce vendor.

“You get to find a lot of unique items — from produce and baked goods to dog treats and décor — that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Lang. “Many of the vendors are small and do not have a physical store, so this is one of the few opportunities to shop their products in person.”

There will be a scavenger hunt for children, similar to last year, with details coming after the first few markets. There will also be a balloon artist at several of the markets. Other entertainment will feature WaCPAC and Summer Stage preview performances, PhilUP Balloons and the annual dog costume contest.

Tables are filled on a first-come, first-served basis as long as there is no overlap with current vendors. Some dates still have spots left. Free informational booths are offered to Main Street Wooster partners. Anyone interested in applying may use the online applications at https://www.mainstreetwooster.org/farmers-market or reach out to morgan@mainstreetwooster.org.

“The market drives people to downtown, which in turn drives people to the downtown shops,” said Lang. “It is not uncommon for the coffee shops to have lines, especially on cooler mornings. Many people go to local restaurants for breakfast or will stop into stores while in town. The market is a great complement to what is already in Wooster.”

Wooster Farmers Market sponsors this year are E&H Ace Hardware, Briggs & Starr Wealth Management, Wooster Color Point, Farmers State Bank, Marketing Engine and the City of Wooster.

Follow what’s happening at the market at https://www.mainstreetwooster.org/farmers-market, on Facebook at @Downtown Wooster Farmers Market and on Instagram at @downtownwoofarmersmarket.

“[The Wooster Farmers Market] truly has something for everyone, and it is a great chance to find something new to try," said Lang. "It is also a great way to meet the faces behind the local food products that you enjoy.”