The Piqua Community Farmers Market has found a new home in the 100 block of W. High Street in front of the Fort Piqua Plaza and the new location is a big hit! The market started its ninth year on May 26 and with the new location, several new vendors and slightly different hours, the season is off to a strong start. The Piqua Community Farmers Market is a project of Mainstreet Piqua and the organization’s Executive Director thinks the move to High Street was a good one, “We have had an overwhelmingly positive response.” Says Lorna Swisher. “The customers like it, the vendors like it and, most importantly, we think it will help to grow and strengthen the market.” Says Swisher.
Permission to move the market to High Street was given by the City of Piqua and the Piqua Public Library. “We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of the Library, along with the other businesses along this section of street.” Says Swisher. Later in the growing season Chef James from Mulligan’s Pub will be doing some cooking demonstrations featuring products from the vendors at the market. “Cooking demonstrations are always popular at the Farmers Market” says Lorna Swisher. “Chef James does a great preparing absolutely delicious food and gives lots of general cooking tips during his demonstration.” Says Swisher. Cooking demonstrations will start in late June.
Currently there are 20 approved vendors for the market. Since it is relatively early in the growing season there is limited produce at the market but items already there include strawberries, lettuce greens, early hoop-house tomatoes and of course lots of plants for those who would like to start their own gardens. Plant options include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, melons and flowers. “Since our vendors all tend their own gardens they are all a great source of wisdom and know-how on getting your garden going.” Says Lorna Swisher. Later in the growing season the market will have corn, green beans, zucchini, carrots, several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, beets and lots of other fresh produce items.
There are several bakers approved for the market and their items include breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, pecan rolls, pies, pies by the slice, coffeecake and salted caramel brownies. Many of the vendors also take special orders for parties and picnics. Other products available at the market include honey, mustard, non-GMO seasonings and spices. Craft items include market tote bags, pillows, quilts, soaps, lotions, balms and body cream. Later in the season we will also have a vendor who will bring five different colored mums in three different sizes.
The Piqua Community Farmers Market website at piquafarmersmarket.com has a full listing of all the vendors under the vendor tab. The market is also hosting a variety of special events throughout the season and they can be found in the Special Event section of the website. The Piqua Community Farmers Market is sponsored by Eagle Printing and Graphics and Goin’ Postal. Questions about the market can be directed to Lorna Swisher at Mainstreet Piqua at 773-9355. Vendor applications and guidelines can also be found on the website.
