This past Saturday was an almost perfect opening day for Season Two of the Meigs County Farmers Market—blue sky, sunny day and the charming panorama of the Ohio River as the market backdrop. The Board of Directors have done a herculean job in the off-season to offer their community an amazing farmers market, even as the COVID-19 crisis loomed. If you haven’t visited this market, it is conveniently located on Main Street within the historic Village of Pomeroy, OH in the park along the Ohio River (you may also know this location as the levee parking lot). The 2020 season will run Saturdays from May through October 10 am to 1 pm. Food and farm vendors were available the first day, and by mid-May with the shifting of state guidelines, the artisan vendors will return. Up to date info can be found on both their website and Facebook page.
Market Manager, Stephanie Rife shares: “The whole community has been extremely supportive. We have a united board, amazing vendors and support from elected leadership, the Meigs County Visitors Bureau, the Pomeroy Merchants Association, the Health Department and many, many community members. We want to work on events together this year so we become more than just a farmers market, make the county and our Pomeroy Main Street a ‘destination’.”
Mayor Don Anderson has provided permanent signage, a market banner and is assisting with the expense of a hand washing station. The Health Department helped the market manager and directors prepare the site and procedures to keep vendors and customers safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Board president Dixie Hawthorne thanks “the many sponsors and donors who helped the market come back strong, including Sonny’s Tavern; Weaving Stitches; Front Paige Outfitters; Swisher & Lohse Pharmacy; River Roasters Coffee Co.; Little, Sheets & Barr LLP; Fox’s Pizza Den-Rutland; Round 2 VIDEO Games And Movies; Meigs Carpet; Summerfields Restaurant; Court Street Grill; Clark’s Jewelry Store; Simmons Musser Warner Insurance; Little Lamb Preschool; Fox’s Pizza-Tuppers Plains; Shade River Agricultural Services; Pomeroy Laundry Co.; Cool Spot’s Country Market; River Front Honda; Trinity Congregational Church; Maple Lawn Brewery; New Beginnings UMC; Farmers Bank; Home National Bank; Eagles Aerie 2171; and CSL Plasma.
The Meigs County Farmers Market directors are also very grateful for the two grants they have received this spring from Ohio’s Winding Road, and the Meigs Community Foundation (administered through the Foundation of Appalachia Ohio). The New Beginnings United Methodist Church returns as sponsor of the Y.E.S. (Young Entrepreneurs Succeeding) booth again this season, demonstrating their belief in the youth of our community. Additionally, the church has very graciously offered to host Market board meetings and membership meetings, as well as allowing market materials and supplies to be stored at the church. Please visit their website for weekly updates: https://meigscountyfarmersmarket.com/
Community Update by ACEnet Director of Programs, Leslie Schaller
