Gardeners Expect Farmer's Market in Stow to Grow

Just as plants must be nurtured and given time to grow, the new Farmer’s Market at started small last weekend, but organizers are optimistic it will blossom in the coming weeks.

The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Sept. 18 in the parking lot at the west side of the church, right off Pilgrim Drive. Five vendors set up last week, and more are expected this Saturday – hopefully some who have produce to sell.

Coordinators Gary Aleman and Michael Osman were encouraged by the market’s many visitors who said they looked forward to returning.

Aleman, a church deacon, approached Osman about founding a market because of his past experience with the Randolph Township Farmer’s Market. The two put together a plan, presented it to Stow City Council and received approval in late May to run the community event.

Aleman said he’s never known of a farmer’s market in Stow during the 24 years he has been a resident.

“I always enjoy going to farmer’s markets, but had to go outside the city to do it. We took it upon ourselves to bring one to Stow, and we’re really pleased the first one went off without a hitch. It will get bigger and better,” he said.

The organizers were not discouraged by the small number of vendors who paid a $7 booth fee to participate in the market’s debut.

“We would have been disappointed if nobody showed up, but people were walking over from the neighborhood and stopping in their cars to buy stuff,” Aleman said. “Every person who stopped was encouraging because they said things like, ‘We’ll be back when you have more.’”

Osman said the church hosting the event “is really a goodwill effort towards our community and a chance to build community networks. A lot of people were saying last week (the market) is a great place to come and hang out, have some coffee and run into your neighbors.”

Of last Saturday’s five vendors, only one had produce for sale. Osman said vendor Harry Ruggles of Stow, who was offering fresh brown eggs, “also brought five to six bunches of huge, beautifully deep-red radishes and they were gone in a snap … All the rain we’ve had caused everyone to get a late start on their gardens.”

Other week-one vendors included Danielle Ferrell of Stow, a small farmer and soap-maker who was selling herbal soaps and lotions; Dolly Yazvek of Stow was selling hand-painted concrete garden statuary made by her son; and baked goods were offered by both Great Harvest Bread Co. of Stow and Delectable Desserts of Hudson.

Entertainment was provided by Dale Galgozy of Kent, who played guitar and sang for about two hours, taking requests from visitors. This week’s entertainment will start in the 9 to 10 a.m. range and feature Dulcimer performers.

This Saturday’s additions will include Bittnerbees of Kirtland selling honey, jelly and beeswax products; an area crafter who creates unique garden art from plates and cups, and possibly an area grower selling plant cuttings, herbs and perennials.

The market offers free weekly exhibit space for local organizations to promote awareness of health, education and safety issues. This week, Stow will have a booth manned by a pharmacist who will discuss prescription safety and interactions with visitors.

Also, Stow resident Sharon Juszli, a pediatric nurse who runs a bicycle safety program for children through an area hospital, will be passing out free bike helmets, while supply lasts.

Growers, crafters, businesses and community organizations wishing to help sponsor or participate in the weekly farmer’s market may call the church at 330-688-8927 or send an email to stowucc@yahoo.com for more information.