Farmers Market continues growing

Some changes are being made to the annual Painesville Farmers Market.

“The Painesville Farmers Market gets bigger and better each year,” said Economic Development Events Coordinator Barb Monacelli. “Our sidewalk is full with over 24 vendors and all kind of shoppers from the workforce to local neighbors. This year we are in the process of renovating our beautiful gazebo, so it will be fresh and new for opening day.”

Monacelli, who is also the market manager, strives to offer a variety of vendors each year and is pleased with the number of new ones who signed up.

“One of our new vendors this year is Deanna from Mama Bear Sweet Treats,” she said. “(Deana offers) beautifully decorated cookies that look like works of arts. People will love her booth shopping for special cookies to bring home that day or place an order for showers and special events.”

Another new vendor is Stephanie from Red Beet Row, a farm that sells medicinal herb plants, perennial vegetable plants and uncommon fruit plants.

“Every week Painesville United Methodist Church will be in the gazebo with a ‘Kids Craft Corner.’ So while moms shop, children get free face painting and do crafts,” Monacelli said.

Last year, Painesville United Methodist Church offered the Kids Craft Corner once a month, as a pilot program.

“It was so successful that we are going to offer it every week,” she said. “The church loves the community outreach and the moms love it.”

In addition to the weekly crafts for children, Morley Library will offer three story times once a month throughout the summer.

“It’s great, because we also want to promote sum- mer reading,” Monacelli said.

To add to the variety of the market, there will be a different food truck scheduled every Thursday to offer a variety of unique and fun foods throughout the summer months.

“Our visitors can enjoy shopping for the freshest produce along with lunch at one of our colorful umbrella tables in charming Veteran’s Park,” she said.

The Painesville Farmers Market will also host two Customer Appreciation Days that will feature tote and ice cream giveaways.

The 2018 Painesville Farmers Market opens May 24 and runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays until Oct. 11. It is held on the square in Veteran’s Park.

NEWS-HERALD FILE The 2018 Painesville Farmers Market opens May 24 and runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays until Oct. 11.