Nelsonville has its very own Farmers Market, starting Friday May 27th. In collaboration with the popular Final Fridays event on the Historic Square in downtown Nelsonville, local farmers will join the fray from 5pm-8pm every Final Friday from May through October.
The interest in having a farmers market in Nelsonville was spurred forward by a recent community assessment by Ruth Dudding of the Athens City-County Health Department. Nelsonville residents identified a lack of options and lack of access to healthy food. Community members, Rocky Boots, Rural Action, ACENet, Main Street Association and Final Fridays leaders collaborated to build a new farmers market to fill the void. Starting May 27th, Nelsonville residents can enjoy produce and goods from Vest Berries Farm, Shade River Organic Farm, Shagbark Seed & Mill and others. The market will boast a cornucopia of seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, herbs, and baked goods.
Margaret Gustafan and Chad Ferguson, the Nelsonville Farmers Market Co-Managers, will be on-site for each market. Chad is an organic gardener who believes that local agriculture is key to improving human health and environmental stewardship. His interests include self-reliance through home food production, wild harvest, and traditional food preservation. Margaret brings her experience as a vendor at the Athens Farmer's Market to Nelsonville. She is a soap maker, potter, and artist, and she grows and sells her products as the proprietor of Potter Ridge Herb Farm and, formerly, Lavender Drawers. She also consigns at Nelsonville Pottery and Gifts. Margaret believes in the strength of community, and she lives the importance of locally grown and locally made.
The goal is to promote healthy food options as well as supporting local agricultural entrepreneurs and hobby gardeners alike. Having the market during Final Fridays lends a festive atmosphere as well as a consistent customer base. This years Final Fridays & Nelsonville Farmers Markets are not to be missed!
To get to the Historic Square Arts District, turn onto Hocking Street from Rt. 33 in Nelsonville
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