Tuesday afternoons are heating up at the Sylvania Farmers Market. Since opening day on June 2, the market has seen a steady crowd eager to shop for freshly baked goods and local products and to grab carry out from a variety of food trucks.
Due to the pandemic, the market’s location has been moved to Sylvania First United Methodist Church, 7000 Erie St., which allows for more space between vendors and to meet guidelines for farmers markets set by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. So far, organizers are pleased with the outcome, “We are very appreciative of the loyalty of our market shoppers,” said Market Manager Connie Torrey. “Attendance has been fantastic!”
Over the next few weeks, shoppers will see a shift in offerings at the market as farmers begin harvesting and selling more fruits and vegetables. In addition, live music is back. “We received approval from the Lucas County Health Department, and we will be featuring local talent for the rest of the season from 5:30 to 7 pm,” said Torrey.
If you haven’t made it to the market yet this summer, it’s a great time to do so. Here is just a sampling of culinary items that you’ll find at the weekly event.

Fresh produce and flowers
Local growers Louis Keil and Sons, Stevens Gardens, Turk Farms and GLS Farms are on hand each week offering a variety of vegetables, fruit and herbs. Visit Dave Turk’s booth for fresh eggs, and for fresh farmhouse flower arrangements, look for Jane Berry at the Posey Jane booth.
Freshly baked goods
Country Grains Bread Company, a Sylvania staple, brings an assortment of handcrafted breads such as Onion Herb, Tomato Basil, Garlic Cheese, Challah, and Apple Crumble. Their Sin “o” Man bread, drenched in a sweet combination of brown sugar, butter and maple syrup, remains their fan favorite.
Shop early for the best selection of homemade fruit pies and breads from The Pie Lady. Then check out Emmy’s Kitchen from Blissfield, Mich. Emmy sets up her mini bakery each week loaded with cookies, cupcakes, brownies and macarons. She’ll also be bringing her caramel apples later in the season.
Dinner to go
Multiple carry out options are available from a variety of food trucks as well as newcomer Zane’s Lebanese Grill. Ali Ismail, owner and one of Zane’s three sons, walked me through their products. “Our garlic sauce is made with potatoes instead of mayo, so it’s much creamier and healthier,” he said. Zane’s also offers baklava, tabouli, hummus, vegetarian grape leaves, baba ganoush and zaatar seasoned pita chips which are baked instead of fried.
The food truck lineup includes Kickback Toledo and Susie Lynne’s Lemonade, plus Outlaw Attitude BBQ, Smashdawgz, Koral Hamburg, Grumpy’s on the Go and Smyles Icey Treats will make appearances throughout the season.
Local Wineries
Sample seasonal wines from two area wineries, Benfield Wines, located in neighboring downtown Swanton, and Majestic Oak Winery of Grand Rapids, Ohio. Look for Rural Raspberry and P’ville Peach from Benfield and find River Rapids Rose and Vineyard Breeze from Majestic Oak.
Artisan Foods
Beautiful Blooms by Jen is now offering Sweet Ruby products from Lubbock Texas including a sweet dessert sauce and cider mix as well as Cherry Republic products from Northern Michigan including three varieties of cherry salsa.
Newcomer Martha Quiroga of Shaman and The Bear brings her line of herbal tea blends to the market which are free of caffeine and sugar.
There’s no mistaking the aroma of freshly popped popcorn from long-time market vendors Jack and Melissa Carls of Olde Tyme Kettle Korn. Try their staples such as Movie Style and Karmel Glaze or their new flavor and very popular, Peanut Butter.
Pantless Jams, founded by Jessica Kott, returns to the market with her unique combinations of homemade jams including Strawberry Rhubarb, Peach Strawberry Vanilla, Peach Orange Ginger and Peach Mango Habanero.
Volunteers Needed
If you are interested in helping at the market, volunteers are needed each week for set up from 2 to 3 pm, for tear down from 6:45 to 7:30 pm, and for directing traffic from 2:45 to 7 pm. To sign up, visit Facebook @sylvaniafarmersmarket.
“We appreciate the community support and following us to our new location,” said Torrey. “And we are very thankful to Sylvania First United Methodist Church for hosting the event and providing volunteers to help it run smoothly.”
See you at the market!