Bowling Green farmers' market gets $4,500 in local, state grants
6/9/2010BOWLING GREEN - Something green, namely dollars in the form of grants, could help the Downtown Farmers' Market grow into a long-term asset for the community.
The newly launched farmers' market has received a $3,000 grant from the Bowling Green Community Foundation and matching funds up to $1,500 from the Ohio Department of Agriculture's marketing division.
The grant from the community foundation, a nonprofit agency created in 1994 to improve the quality of life in the Bowling Green area, will help defray the market's operating and promotional costs.
The state grant was awarded through a program designed to spur growth of community farmers' markets, according to Downtown Bowling Green director Barbara Ruland, who noted the grants as well as market sponsors have helped launch the new farmers' market. The goal is to develop the market into a long-term community asset.
The Downtown Farmers' Market, which opened in mid-May, is be from 3 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday through October on South Main Street in downtown Bowling Green.
The market celebrates the town and region's agricultural heritage, and it features a variety of entertainment and other activities each week.
Working with Ms. Ruland on the new community attraction are Market Manager Penny Parker and Arts and Crafts Manager Sandy Wicks.
Scheduled for the farmers' market today are authors Stacey Gabel and Richard Neuman, who will sign their books from 4 to 6 p.m., and the Brick Street Strummers dulcimer group, performing from 6 to 8 p.m.
Long-term vendors at the market offer fresh produce and flowers, live plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. Some spaces are reserved for occasional vendors who take different items to each market.
Details about the market will be updated weekly at the Downtown Bowling Green Web site, downtownbgohio.org.
The market is presented by the Downtown Bowling Green organization, with cooperation from downtown businesses and the city of Bowling Green.
- Janet Romaker