Countryside Farmers’ Market at Highland Square Returns to Will Christy Park
Countryside welcomes new and returning vendors to apply.
Peninsula, Ohio –Countryside announces the return of the farmers’ market in Highland Square, marking the sixteenth season of this weekday market. Located at Will Christy Park, 1175 W Exchange Street, the market runs on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Managed by Countryside, the market features local farmers, food entrepreneurs and artists in the vibrant West Akron neighborhood. Vendor applications open Friday, February 14th and remain open through Friday, March 27th.
Countryside Farmers’ Market at Highland Square takes place at Will Christy Park, the intersection of Exchange and South Rose in Akron. Located just blocks from the heart of Highland Square, the market is convenient to pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters. Customers can enjoy the park playground, weekly cooking demonstrations, live music, children’s activities presented by Spring Garden Waldorf School, and participate in a compost drop-off service to celebrate the market turning zero waste.
“I’m so excited to return this market to Highland Square this year. This market is dear to my heart because my formative years were spent in Highland Square, and I know this community cares about shaping a wonderful Akron. Part of that includes keeping our dollars local – and what more important way than food. We hope to see the residents shift their priorities to spend Thursday evenings supporting these farmers. Countryside’s mission is to connect people, food, and land; and providing access to fresh, local food for all people is intrinsic in that mission. We are hopeful that the community can become ambassadors for this market and show up each Thursday – despite what the weather may have in store,” said Serena Jones, Farmers’ Market Manager.
Applications for vendors will open on Friday, February 14th and be available through March 27th on Countryside’s website – countrysidefoodandfarms.org/eat-how-to-become-a-vendor. Local farmers, food producers, ready-to-eat vendors, and artists are encouraged to apply and take advantage of a new booth sharing program Countryside is piloting at this market.
All of Countryside’s markets accept SNAP and offer Produce Perks, a nutrition incentive that matches up to $20 of SNAP withdrawals for the purchase of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. For more information on SNAP, Produce Perks, and other market-based food access programs, visit countrysidefoodandfarms.org/food-access-overview.
About Countryside
Our mission is to connect people, food and land by promoting a resilient, sustainable food culture through programs, advocacy and education. We are a leading expert and innovator in conservation farming and community-based food programs, working in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park, its farms, community stakeholders, and food entrepreneurs.
For press inquiries: Christina Hill, Marketing & Communications Specialist, chill@countrysidefoodandfarms.org
For vendor and general market inquiries for Countryside Farmers’ Markets at Howe Meadow: Rachel Kent, Farmers’ Market Manager, rkent@countrysidefoodandfarms.org
For SNAP and Produce Perks inquiries: Jenna Eastman, Food Access Manager, jeastman@countrysidefoodandfarms.org