Worthington Farmers Market delivers fresh goods all year
Marla K. KuhlmanIt’s the people ‒ customers and producers alike ‒ who make the Worthington Farmers Market what it is today, according to Saturday regulars.
Celebrating its 35th year in Worthington, market manager Christine Hawks said, it’s the largest year-round farmers market in central Ohio.
Dana Landrum with Dana Lee’s Bakery of Pataskala has been bringing her home-baked goods to the market for almost two decades.
She said it’s the people who make the market. “Being here 19 years, I know their life stories, and they know mine,” she said.
Carrie Saba of Westerville has been visiting every weekend the past couple years.
“I really like to purchase from Raber’s ‒ it’s organic and so nice,” she said.
On Oct. 1, she was looking to purchase cheese.
“I haven’t eaten cheese in six years, so I decided I’m ready to add cheese back in," she said. "So I wanted clean, organic cheese. I also really enjoy being able to get a mimosa and walk around with it. That was just fun. It’s relaxed here.”
Mark Gillogly with Albany’s Gillogly Orchards said he has been bringing seasonal fruit since 2003.
“I’ve had some older clientele that have passed,” he said. “I’ve watched kids grow up. The dogs are part of it, too.”
He said people get into routines.
“That is what I think helps is the fact that we’re consistent, being here every week,” Gillogly said.
“The best thing about this market is the customers,” added Kyla Touris of Bexley's Sweet Thing Gourmet. “It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, cold. They come out to the market as a community.”
What to know if you attend the Worthington Farmers Market
- Remaining summer markets in Old Worthington are Oct. 15, 22 and 29.
- Winter season opens from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 5 at the Shops at Worthington Place mall, 7227 N. High St. The market will be closed Nov. 26, Dec. 24, Dec. 31 and Jan. 7, 2023.
- This season has featured more than 75 producers representing a variety of towns and neighborhoods. Urban farms, like Franklinton Farms from Franklinton, bakers Batter and Bowl and The Little Dot from Worthington, an Amish farm, Raber Family Organics from Fredericksburg, and a first-generation ranch, Red Moon Ranch from South Vienna, are among them.
- The products sold must be grown or made in Ohio.
- High-demand items like eggs and produce are limited in supply once the days get shorter and colder. Customers are encouraged to shop early for the best selection.
- There are two large, public parking lots in the heart of the market footprint with free parking available. One is off East New England Avenue, and the other is off West New England Avenue. COTA also has a bus stop on High Street near East New England for customers who don't want to drive.
- A map of available parking in Old Worthington can be found online.
- A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area starts at 11 a.m. Saturdays.
@ThisWeekMarla