Tue Feb 09 2010
By HEATHER BAUGHMAN
HAMLER -- Fresh produce will be available in spring, summer and fall at the Hamler Summerfest Park as a new farmer's market starts to take shape.
Hamler Village Council is organizing the effort to sell fresh fruits, vegetables and crafts to the southern half of the county. The weekly event, to be held Saturday mornings from May 30 through the end of October, will be held under the covered pavilion at the Hamler Summerfest Park, located on the north edge of town off Ohio 109, next to the CSX Railroad.
The location is key to the farmer's market, according to village Councilman Mike Prigge. "This means rain or shine, patrons and vendors will be protected from the elements," he said, noting that the Hamler Summerfest Committee is letting the village use its covered building free of charge.
"Hopefully, this will be a great partnership" between the village and the summerfest committee, Prigge said.
The idea for the farmer's market began with Mayor Larry Dirr, who campaigned for his position saying he wanted to give village residents more opportunities.
"I know there are markets in Napoleon and Defiance, but we hope that having one here will provide more opportunities for more growers and consumers looking for fresh, home-grown produce and crafts," Prigge said, noting that the market will run from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. throughout the growing season.
"The main thing we want to provide people is an outlet to sell their goods," Prigge said, "as well as provide people a great place to get fresh produce. There is nothing like eating home-grown strawberries grown right here that did not have to be shipped across the country," he said.
"The council has given (the market) its full support as well," he said, adding that the market will be organized by community volunteers. "Council is in the process of forming a farmer's market committee, which will hopefully involve elected officials and volunteers to run the event."
Vendors can participate in the farmer's market for $50 for the season, or $10 per market day.
"We feel at the summerfest building we have plenty of room," Prigge said. On market days, vendors will be offered space on a first-come, first-served basis, with season-vendors being guaranteed a space each week.
Though these nominal fees will be charged, Prigge said, "We as a council are not looking at this as a money-making effort." Instead, money collected from vendors will be used for advertising and other market-related expenses.
For the support of the Hamler Summerfest Committee members, Prigge and the rest of council "really thank them for their cooperation."
As the market and the season progresses, Prigge hopes to see an increased number of vendors and patrons at the market, which organizers are hopeful will become an annual event.
For more information about the market, contact Prigge at 419-274-2398 or e-mail him at: hamlerfarmersmarket@yahoo.com.
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