The season for northeast Ohio’s many farmers markets generally starts in May or June, and as yet, we don’t know exactly how many will be open and how they will function, although a number of them have already announced opening dates. That’s a hopeful sign!
Meanwhile, the North Union, Coit and Countryside Markets, which operate year round in various ways, are all adapting and selling fresh local foods. You’ll find plenty of selections from NE Ohio farmers and producers, including meats and dairy, value-added products such as syrups and salsa, and early crop such as greens, radishes and, for a brief time, ramps, a very short-season specialty related to the onion that’s only available for a few weeks.
The North Union Markets at Crocker Park and in Shaker Heights move indoors for the winter, but now they’ve moved outdoors to their usual locations with some new safety rules in place. They have revamped the setup to limit the number of people in the space at any time and to allow people to stay distanced. Vendors will bag the produce, and no reusable bags with be allowed. SNAP users’ Produce Perks march will be unlimited at this time. The Shaker Square Market is open from 8am-noon; the Crocker Park Market runs from 9am-1pm. Each will open a half hour earlier for seniors and high-risk individuals.
The Countryside Market, which operates in the winter out of Old Trail School in Bath, has gone to a pre-order model. You can go on its website to order produce, cheeses, staples and other local food products. It opens for orders each Tuesday at noon, and you can place an order until they sell out, which happens quickly! Then go to the drive-through market on Saturday to pick up your pre-paid, pre-packaged order. They’ve been ironing out the bugs which complicated their early attempts at this new model, and say things are going more smoothly now. Go here for more details:
The Coit Road Farmers Market in East Cleveland is an indoor market with its own dedicated building, a small treasure too many Clevelanders don’t know about.
It’s open at year round on Saturdays from 8am-1pm. It’s still open; its vendors are spaced out and it’s not crowded. In addition, it’s taking enhanced safety precautions. It too is asking customers to not bring reusable bags & to let only vendors touch the merchandise. It’s providing hand sanitizer, paper towels and gloves at the entrance for customers. At this time of year, you’ll find meat, root crops, greens, baked goods (including gluten-free breads), meat and cheeses, as well as such value-added products as salsas and jams. And they’re offering unlimited Produce Perks for SNAP users. They also have plenty of hand sanitizer, masks and gloves available for customers.
In addition, the West Side Market is still open during its usual business hours. If you’re more comfortable ordering ahead and doing a quick pickup, you can go online for a vendor list here.
Several other markets still have projected opening days. Kamm’s Corners Market is aiming for Sunday June 14; the Tremont Farmers Market in Lincoln Park is hoping for a Tuesday May 19 opening. The Hudson Farmers Market plans to be back Saturday June 6 on the Gazebo Green. And look for Lakewood’s LEAF Market at the front porch of Lakewood Public Library main branch on Thursday June 11. All are outdoors but be sure to check in with them to make sure they’re able to reopen by these dates.
Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120
Crocker Park Shopping Center, Westlake, OH 44145
2315 Ira Road, Akron, OH 44333
Cleveland, OH 44112
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland, OH 44111
Cleveland, OH 44113
Church Street, Hudson, OH 44236
Lakewood, OH 44107