The 8th annual Grandview Avenue Farmers Market (GAFM) is slated to begin Saturday June 4 just north of Third Avenue in the parking lot adjacent to Vino Vino and Figlio’s restaurant. Presenting Sponsors for the Saturday morning market include: The Wagenbrenner Company, Friends of 43212, Small Business Beanstalk, Pearl Alley Growers Association, and Sustainable Grandview. The market is held Saturdays, 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. thru October 29th and will feature live music from local performers and a weekly drawing for two movie tickets to the Grandview Theater.

Jeff Wagenbrenner commented, “The Wagenbrenner Company is excited about the new location of the Farmers Market. We’ve always believed that the walkability of Grandview Avenue is the key ingredient to what makes this area so vibrant — and the Farmers Market certainly promotes this.” Friends of 43212 spokesperson Becky Obester added “Friends of 43212 is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive and we are thrilled to be a part of the Grandview Avenue Farmers Market, as it clearly enhances our community and provides residents with a direct food source.” Market vendors accept WIC and Senior vouchers.

Last year, the Farmers Market outgrew the Panzera’s Pizza parking lot with 13 vendors that participated in the Farmers Festival. The market moved in anticipation of adding more vendors for 2011, especially Ohio Proud participants. For the market Saturdays in June, a partial roster of vendors with spring produce will participate including Jacquemin Farms, who will bring freshly picked strawberries June 11 and 18th from their Plain City farm. Since June is National Dairy Month, GAFM is partnering with Snowville Creamery, who will have an exhibit at the June markets educating consumers about dairy farming and dairy products. The full roster of vendors will set up beginning July 9th.

The Grandview Avenue Farmers Market is managed by the Pearl Alley Growers Association (PAGA). PAGA also manages farmers markets at Nationwide downtown, Nationwide Dublin, COSI and Columbus Square. They recruit and certify Ohio farmers for the core of “regular” vendors for the market, who set up each week and sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, honey, salsas, preserves, and herbs.

Bakers are considered a market enhancement, with 2 or 3 bakers participating weekly. PAGA Market Manager Marcy Musson added “with Stan Evans Bakery, Caribou Coffee, the French Loaf, Stauf’s and Panera Bread all in this area, we want to compliment, not compete with these local businesses. However the addition of a few bakers helps to add some market dimension for our customers.”

Guest vendors, who participate once per month are typically budding entrepreneurs, local businesses, and artisans. One new addition is the “Recipe of the Week” — whereby local chefs will provide a recipe for patrons to try at home using market produce.

Market details will be posted on the Fifth By Northwest Area Commission web site, fifthbynorthwest.org and on Facebook and Twitter. To inquire about becoming a Grandview Avenue Farmers Market vendor or for additional information, contact Becky Hetteberg, at info@fifthbynorthwest.org, ph. 614.326-0630 or Dorothy Pritchard, ph. 614.486-6190.