Farmers Market Will Spring Up This Summer at Veterans Park

A weekly farmers market will be introduced in Avon Lake this summer, and organizers are hoping the concept takes root not just with customers, but with vendors.

The fair will run every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting mid-June in the outdoor space just east of the in .

Councilman Larry Meiners, who is helping organize the weekly markets, said the city is looking for sellers of items such as jam, honey, breads and vegetables that would be conducive to a farmer’s market.

“Come in and sell your stuff,” Meiners said. “It will be similar to what you see at (the North Union Farmers Market) Crocker Park. Maybe not as sophisticated as that the first year, but we'll see."

Meiners said the market could be a community builder.

“What we’re bring to do is bring people to a central location in Avon Lake for a good cause.”

Meiners said the concept, which came out of the newly formed Avon Lake Waterfront Asociation, was a take on a suggestion by resident and community supporter Jan VanWagner. She had talked to Meiners about a possible farmers market at Bleser Park in the summer.

The idea was picked up by The Avon Lake Waterfront Association, which is organizing several summer festivals at Veterans Memorial Park this year, including the All-American Cookout on June 29, a wine festival on July 13 and the Heritage Festival. The Association considered several locations for the farmers market, including the Tops parking lot and the area in front of the now-closed Ace Hardware but settled to use the park this year.

The group is hoping the event is successful enough to make an annual event. The market is expected to run through October. Other cities, and Westlake have similar markets.

“We got a late start this year and many vendors have already committed,” Meiners said.

The festivals and market will be supported by, but not officially endorsed, by the city of Avon Lake, Elizabeth Gedeon, the mayor’s administrative assistant and member of the Avon Lake Waterfront Association said. Councilman Dan Bucci, who heads the city’s Economic Development subcommittee has also been assisting.

“Me, and Dan Bucci and a few others are in the Association, and the entire idea from an economic development standpoint is to keep Avon Lakers spending money in Avon Lake,” Gedeon said of the upcoming events.

Vendors interested in selling at the market can contact Gedeon at ergedeon@gmail.com or Larry Meiners at 440-933-6629.