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Farmer’s Market creates unity in the community
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Vendors set up tables at the Austintown farmer's market on July 18 to sell their locally grown products at Austintown Township Park.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Guests at the Austintown farmer's market at Austintown Township Park on July 18 stopped at the Traveling Italian Chef's table to try some of his creations.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Guests who attended the farmer's market at Austintown Township Park on July 18 stopped at one of the vendor's tables to check out the product.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
The Austintown Farmer’s Market occurs every Monday at Austintown Township Park from 5-8 p.m., rain or shine.
Shannon Lehn, the market manager, came up with the idea to start a farmer’s market after traveling with her sister to Lake Milton’s Farmer’s Market. Lehn taught yoga there while her sister was a vendor in the market. Trying to be closer to home, Lehn was able to teach yoga at Austintown Township Park and came up with the idea to create a farmer’s market in Austintown.
There are several vendors who bring their products to the farmer’s market. The market started three years ago with under 10 vendors, and currently there are about four times as many vendors than when the market first started.
“There are no paid employees here. All of the money that comes into the market goes right back into the market,” said Lehn.
Those who wish to be a vendor at the market must go through an application process to be able to set up a stand. People sell items such as fresh produce, honey, jewelry and more. Part of the application process is to ensure there won’t be any duplicate items.
Every week there is a different promotion to get the community involved with the market. There are Facebook “like” and “share” contests, a bring your own bag contest and more to encourage people to attend.
In August, if people bring in school supplies, they will be entered to win $10 in market money and the school supplies will all be donated to Austintown City Schools. A non-profit organization, like Legacy Dog Rescue, attends every week to bring awareness to things in the community. Akron Pest Control provides supplies for a craft every week for the children to make.
“It’s really about community,” said Lehn.