Farmers’ Market to offer fresh selections
More Montgomery residents will be enjoying fresh, healthy, locally grown foods this summer, thanks to graduates of the 2010 Montgomery Citizens’ Leadership Academy (MCLA) who have taken the program’s “Learn and Do” slogan to heart.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response of residents to the October 2009 Open City Hall question, “If Montgomery was to have an outdoor farmers’ market, would you patronize the market?” the MCLA class adopted the arduous effort of taking the market from concept to reality in less than three months.
The market kicks off on June 5 and will be located in the downtown Heritage District parking lot on Shelly Lane, between Cooper and Remington roads. It will be open every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (through October 30), except during July 17 during Montgomery’s Bastille Day celebration.
“The market will bring so much good to our community,” said Valerie Taylor, a 2010 MCLA graduate who spearheaded the market’s launch. “Residents of all ages and interests will have a chance to interact while enjoying the bounty of healthy, fresh goods provided by local farms and cottage producers.”
Taylor and other MCLA grads formed an LLC for the non-profit market, contacted vendors, worked with the City to find and lease a site, secured insurance, raised funds through donations and grants, and implemented a marketing plan. MCLA alumni and other volunteers will oversee weekly market operations.
“We are excited to welcome the Farmer’s Market to the City. The fresh, locally grown food will only add to the quality of life here in Montgomery and will provide an event that brings the community together,” said Mayor Gerri Harbison.
The MCLA is a hands-on learning experience, taking place just once a year and limited to 25-30 people. Graduates ultimately become a resource from which civic, cultural, philanthropic and other organizations draw their leaders.
Taylor and fellow MCLA alumni Russ Speiller, Eric Roth and Mehul Parikh are members of the board that was formed to oversee the market. Montgomery residents Erin Crosby and Debbie Miller are also board members.
“I can’t think of a better way to transform what we learned into concrete action,” said Speiller, a 2010 MCLA grad. “This market benefits our citizens, area farmers and our local historic district.”
Nearly 20 vendors from southwestern Ohio and southeastern Indiana have signed on with the market to offer locally grown, seasonal produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry and pork; dairy products; baked goods; and handmade soaps and lotions, among many other goods. The market also will feature weekly cooking and gardening demonstrations, product samplings and special events.
Residents can find more information about the Montgomery Farmers’ Market at montgomeryfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.