Farmers’ market in Medina shifts to summer location this Saturday

Canal Village Farmers’ Market uses former NAPA site during cold weather months

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dave Kusmierczak, left, buys a cabbage from Ron Human of Human Farms in Appleton. Human has been a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market since shortly after it opened more than 10 years ago.

MEDINA – On Saturday, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will open at its summer location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, featuring new vendors, activities for children and special focus on events of interest to adults. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly.

A handful of dedicated vendors have kept the market going since 2015, but to thrive, more vendors are needed and, most importantly, regular shoppers.

“Canal Village Farmers’ Market wants to grow both its vendor base and dedicated customer base,” said market manager Gail Miller. “Vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety. The market has a great selection at this time, and will be adding some new vendors this season – another vegetable farm, flowers and crafts. Mushrooms will be back, as Baker Farms will begin selling Hartland Organics mushrooms. We are looking for a soap vendor, wineries and other unique items.”

Rose Baker of Baker Farms talks with market manager Gail Miller, right, while a customer looks on. Baker Farms on Beals Road raises and sells its own beef, pork and eggs.

Miller recommends watching the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all of the products available each week.

Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, sponsor of the market, urged community support of the venture.

“The market has been around for more than 10 years now,” Busch said. “In those earlier years we had more than 500 customers every Saturday, with many of the same vendors and products we have now. We really need our customers to recommit to supporting our community farmers’ market. It’s good for our farmers and producers, and good for the community. Our market isn’t the glitziest, but it has a lot to offer – great products, kids’ activities, live music – and this year we’re adding even more.”

This year’s vendors include Baker Farms (garlic, eggs, beef, pork and scapes); Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jams); Hazel & Honey Bakes (scones, cookies and sourdough); Human Farms and Greenhouse (vegetables, fruit, eggs and plants); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); Kimbriel Farm (vegetables); Rosario Farm (fruit and vegetables); Flower Fields Forever (flowers); and crafts (MGERH, Metal Neurosis, EBS Luxuries and two others starting in mid-June.

This list does not show all products available.

A customer buys microgreens from Leonard Bower at Bower Family Farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina.

Special events planned for kids include, on opening day, a Kids’ Tent where they will show how to do a little art on a cup and plant several seeds in it. In June, the market will participate in Medina Area Partnership’s Faery Festival, and on July 3 the annual Zucchini 500 till take place. All ages are invited to attend this fun event.

Just for adults, on June 6 the market will have a limited number of spots available for folks who need an area to sell items during the Medina Community Yard Sale. Almost any type of merchandise can be sold at the market. In addition, adults will enjoy food demos throughout the season, given by chef Caitlyn from Shelridge County Club. Another event will be “Dog Days of Summer,” where people will vote for the best dog in certain categories. Additional events will be added later in the season, Miller said.

The market also offers free space to non-profits to promote their organization or cause.

For more information or to request a vendor spot, contact canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

Sue Payne of Medina crochets doilies at her booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at its winter site in the former NAPA Building.