Farmers Market Grows

Summer is still in full swing at The Market. The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce launched a farmer's market in May. It takes place every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the old Hocking Oil parking lot across from G&W Foods (120 West Main St., Willow Springs).

Over the summer, The Market has grown from a handful to more than a dozen vendors, said Chamber secretary Phoebe Hendricks. 

"There's been a lot of good community response," Hendricks said. "We're finally starting to get the ball rolling."

The Market has been bringing about 100 shoppers to downtown Willow Springs every Saturday, Hendricks reports. The vendors present on Saturday agreed that business has been picking up as summer wears on. 

"It was tough at first," said Monty Williamson of WPH Ranch, "but it's starting to pick up better."

Produce vendor Quincey Hatch reported that her sales are up since tomatoes have come into season. 

"People were always asking for tomatoes," Hatch said, a tub of ruby-ripe tomatoes at her feet for $2 a pound. She is optimistic about the coming weeks as well when she plans to offer small decorative pumpkins and other fall items. 

"Everything here is locally grown, made or processed," Williamson said.

Saturday's market featured three local meat producers, three herb/produce vendors, two crafters, one booth for coffee and loaded teas, and a food truck. By 11:00 a.m., foot traffic was lively as shoppers handled produce and stood chatting in groups.

Market days will continue every Saturday through September, Hendricks confirmed.