By Jennifer Alexander Ruple

Sylvania will explode with foodie fun when the Red Bird Sylvania Farmers Market returns on Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 7 pm. Market season begins on June 7 and continues through October 11 on Main Street in the parking lot across the street from St. Joseph’s Church.

The market, Sylvania’s weekly outdoor shopping destination, will offer access to local produce and plants, artisan foods and handmade products. A variety of food trucks, wine sampling, entertainment from local musicians and activities planned by community organizations will round out the fun for everyone.

“We have a few new benefits for shoppers this year including Produce Perks, WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program,” said Sarah Ritchey, Main Street manager. “Our market committee is eager to provide a family-friendly shopping experience, plus we’ve reconfigured our space which will allow for more onsite parking,” she added.

Produce and plants

Shop from a variety of fresh produce from local farmers, plus choose hanging baskets, annuals and plants from Louis Keil and Sons and The Soul Patch; chicken and duck eggs from Turk Farms; jams, honey and baked goods from Stevens Gardens; and microgreens from The Microgreen House. Also, please welcome newcomer Scharf’s Garden and Orchards from Northwood, Ohio.

Flowers

For fresh flower bouquets, apples and cider (seasonal), visit Jane Berry of Posey Jane, and check out new vendor Nature Inspired for fresh and dried flowers.

Baked goods

Pick up a rotating menu of sweet treats including rum cakes, cookies, cake pops and quick breads from Sylvania’s Paula Adam of Mahalo Bake Shop. Also find plant-based treats from Vegan Taste Company and handmade macarons from Le Petit Macaron.

Artisan foods

Select all natural honey from Dee’s Bee’s Local Honey; herbal tea blends from The Shaman and the Bear; organic spices, teas and bath products from Anthro Apothecary of Tecumseh, Mich.; freshly roasted coffee beans from Doodle Bean Coffee; pure maple syrup, cream and candies from Brick “n” Brecher Sugar Shack, and all natural pet treats from Miss Abbie’s.

Snacks and grab & go foods

Don’t miss Olde Tyme Kettle Korn’s famous original, cheddar cheese and popular peanut butter varieties. For dinner on the go, pick up fresh hummus, grape leaves, baked pita chips and baklawa from Zane’s Lebanese Grill. Grab some freshly baked bread, signature sauces and gelato from Sofo’s Italian Market. Stop by Charlie’s Homemade Ice Cream for hand dipped cones and Charsaac Chips for a variety of locally made potato chips.

Wineries

A trio of local wine producers will offer bottle sales and sampling including American Winery, Funky Turtle Brewing Company and honey wines from Four Fires Meadery.

Food trucks

Dine at the market – under the pavilion or bring a blanket and picnic on the lawn. A rotating schedule of food trucks will be on hand throughout the season including Baba’s Eats, Deet’s BBQ, Koral Hamburg, Queso Kitchen, Lyle’s Crepes, Trip’n Biscuits and Smyles Icy Treats.

Handmade goods and services

Shop for jewelry from Dreaming of Pearls and Bella Designs. Have your knives and tools sharpened on-site by Steve Colony of Great Lakes Sharpening. Select handmade plaques, gifts and cedar pumpkins from Sylvania’s Frogtown Woodcraft. Visit long-time market vendor Adam Lenhart of Innoscents for an array of handmade soaps.

Musical guests

Enjoy live music each week from 4:30 to 6:30 pm from talented area musicians including Kyle Smithers, Trez Gregory, Katie and Jordan, Hector Mendoza, Jeff Stewart, and Steve Kennedy.

Family activities

Participate in a variety of activities from community organizations such as water safety with the Sylvania YMCA/JCC, Touch a Truck with Sylvania Fire and Police Departments, Storytime with the Sylvania Branch Library, Love your Neighbor Day with Five Lakes Church, bike safety with Ridin Late in County 48, yoga with California Yoga and a mindfulness workshop from Integration Yoga with Jen.

For updates, check out the market’s weekly schedule in the Sylvania AdVantage or follow @redbirdsylvania on Facebook and Instagram.