Highland Square Farmers’ Market kicks off May 19

— Farmers’ Market season is upon us, and Countryside Conservancy will bring its popular outdoor market back to the Akron area through fall.

Countryside Farmers’ Market at Howe Meadow will open for the season on Saturday, May 7 and will feature over 70 vendors offering a wide selection of local food. The market recurs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and runs through Oct. 29.

Countryside Farmers’ Market at Highland Square will feature 18 vendors, the popular Countryside Kids program and rotating community activities. Opening day at Highland Square is May 19 and will be celebrated with live music; market hours are 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 29.

This season, Countryside Farmers’ Market at Howe Meadow welcomes seven new vendors: Avant Gardens Farm and Mushroomery, Bloom Hill Farm, Dillon Fruit Farm, Floured Apron, Europa Charcuterie, Turtle Island Natural Soap Co., and Wake Robin Fermented Foods.

This is the 13th season that Countryside Farmers’ Markets have operated in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Countryside also is celebrating the National Park Service Centennial with several special events, including: extended market hours (until 2 p.m.) for the National Park Service and National Geographic Bioblitz and Biodiversity Festival on May 21; on June 18 and Aug. 20, the market will host Picnics in the Park, as well as pop-up Crafty Marts; Aug. 20 will also feature the very popular Tomato Tasting; Crafty Mart will also be returning on Oct. 15. Events also will include weekly cooking demonstrations and live music.

Countryside Farmers’ Market at Howe Meadow is located at 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula, in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The idyllic location is easily accessible from the towpath, and situated near Indigo Lake, the Beaver Marsh Boardwalk, making the market an ideal part of a day out hiking, biking, walking or riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Countryside Farmers’ Market at Highland Square is located on the corner of West Market Street and Conger Avenue and is surrounded by the eclectic businesses of the Highland Square neighborhood.

Countryside Farmers’ Markets are free and open to the public. For purchases, customers may use cash, check, credit card or the Ohio Direction Card. Ohio Direction Card holders are also eligible for Carrot Cash, a program that provides matching funds for purchases of fresh fruit and vegetables.

For info, visit www.cvcountryside.org.