The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
KIDS CELEBRATED
Farmers market holds annual community event for youngsters
An annual day made just for youngsters as their families shopped for farm-fresh and homemade goods was held Aug. 4 at Elyria Farmers Market.
Little ones in the community were able to enjoy a day full of fun during the market’s oneday Kid’s Day event.
The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. during the summer until Sept. 15 at Pioneer Plaza, 328 Broad St.
However, hours were extended from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. for the youngsters.
Free carnival games, food, cold treats and visits from local organizations who provided kid-friendly
“That’s what we try to do, is make sure we have a family atmosphere so the kids enjoy it.” — Mary Bryan, executive director of local non-profit Invest Elyria
entertainment, were able to keep children excited as families shopped.
Some of the local organizations who provided activities or entertainment for the little ones were Mr. Dee’s Karate, Miss Darcy’s Dance Academy, The Elyria Public Library Bookmobile, Elyria Police and Fire Department and more.
The market’s various reoccurring produce, craft, bakery vendors and local organizations were also a part of the event for adults.
Mary Bryan, executive director of local non-profit Invest Elyria, said Kid’s Day is something not only volunteers of Invest Elyria look forward to, but families in the community as well.
The Farmers Market is held by Invest Elyria to create a fun and available atmosphere for people looking for fresh goods and homemade crafts, Bryan said.
Kid’s Day is always their biggest event bringing 500-600 people to Pioneer Plaza, she said.
Invest Elyria created the market five years ago and it has continuously grown with vendors and guests each year.
“It’s to do something for the kids (because) when we started there wasn’t much,” Bryan said.
People who have shopped at the market in the past have said in a survey provided by Invest Elyria that they’d like to see more activities at the market.
“That’s what we try to do, is make sure we have a family atmosphere so the kids enjoy it,” she added.
Clifton Oliver, a business investor and resident of Elyria, brought his daughter Brynlee, 7, along to the event.
Oliver is also a volunteer with invest Elyria who helps with many of their events like the farmers market.
“I think that’s exactly what these things are set for,” Oliver responded when asked about an event children can be part of. “We try to get things out here for kids. There’s really not too much (events) out there in the community where kids can interact with each other and not sit on their video games all day.”
Brynlee said one of the carnival games she enjoyed the most during the market’s event was the bug launch.
The object of the bug launch was to hit a hammer on a palette that launches a bug into a frog’s mouth.
Oliver said Invest Elyria creates events or is involved in many projects in the community to help it grow and make it a better place for families and the people who come through the city.
“People expect us to be here,” Bryan said.
The farmers market is available during rain or shine to shoppers who are looking for fresh, local produce, meats and crafts every summer weekend,” she said.
Invest Elyria wants the Elyria Farmers Market to be available in a way like a grocery store for people in the community.
Invest Elyria is continuing to create more ways provide fresh goods for those who cannot get these products, but continue to work with other non-profits for growth of the community, Bryan said.
According to Invest Elyria’s website, the group has a genuine desire to promote Elyria’s community as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
With a focus on the arts, food and commerce, they believe in keeping Elyria businesses thriving and improving the morale of our community.