JENNIFER ALEXANDER RUPLE

The Toledo Farmers’ Market has a rich history of serving greater Toledo with roots dating back to the 1830s. Today, the market continues to thrive as a community resource for homegrown produce, artisan foods and handcrafted goods. The year-round weekly market, located at 525 Market St. in downtown Toledo, is known to be a bustling hub on Saturday mornings. It’s the place to be for gathering with friends, shopping for the week’s menu, and visiting with area farmers and food vendors.

Up until 12 years ago, the market was a three season event only, held from spring through fall; however, with the addition of garage doors, reuseable wall panels and a heat source, the venue has become suitable for community access to food goods regardless of the weather. “We operate the indoor market through the end of April,” said Market Manager Dan Madigan. “By the first of May, we’ll open up the doors if the weather is nice,” he explained.

During the winter months, shoppers will find an array of items such as winter produce, mushrooms, apples, dried flowers, home baked goods, ground coffee, sauces and condiments, honey, candles, pottery, and specialty foods such as pierogi, hummus and baklava.

The indoor market includes anywhere from 25 to 40 vendors compared to about 70 during outdoor months. The space is smaller; however, Madigan feels there’s a benefit to that for his vendor community. “Most of the vendors at the winter market are regular participants during the summer. During the indoor months vendors are closer together, which gives them the opportunity for more interaction with each other. It’s a great way for them to stay connected throughout the year.”

Vendors to look for during the winter months are Jentzen Farms, Clay Hill Produce and Flowers, Witt Orchards, Your Community Market, Hazel Rain Gardens, Portage River Mushrooms, All Crumbs Bakery, County Grains Bakery, Me, Myself & Pie, Scrumptious Bakery, Pastel Bakehouse, Gertie’s BBQ Sauce, Dee’s Bees, Busia’s Pierogi Shack, Sitto’s Bakery and Curbs Candles.

Looking ahead toward spring, the Toledo Farmers’ Market will host its 36^th annual Flower Day Weekend with thousands of plants to choose from, plant accessories and garden art, along with local artisans and food vendors. “The event is three days, held May 24-26. It’s an exciting weekend for us,” Madigan commented.

The winter market is open every Saturday from 9 am to 1pm.