Where and when to find your local farmers market (and what’s different this summer)

Stop at the 2nd Street Market to pick up fresh, local produce, desserts, meats, breads and more, and then spend some quality time with your dad creating the perfect summer meal.

Stop at the 2nd Street Market to pick up fresh, local produce, desserts, meats, breads and more, and then spend some quality time with your dad creating the perfect summer meal.

Along with heading to the nearest public pool or ice cream parlor, summertime doesn’t feel quite as sweet without a trip to the local farmers market. Strolling the lanes of fresh produce, baked goods and other local offerings now feels like a summer must-do. And, fortunately, due to the nature of the markets, many are still able to remain open during the summer months without posing a health risk to customers in the age of the coronavirus.

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From the popular 2nd Street Market to the Miami County Virtual Farmers Market, there are options for every kind of customer across the Miami Valley — whether you’re ready to venture outside to buy fresh produce or you’d rather do a virtual form of this summertime tradition.

These are the farmers markets open and welcoming customers across the Miami Valley.

👨‍🌾2nd Street Market

If you want to eat healthier, the 2nd Street Market is a good place to find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some meat and dairy products. CONTRIBUTED

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When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 600 E. 2nd St. in Dayton

Five Rivers MetroParks’ popular 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton is now open to the public. The market has implemented a list of COVID-19-related guidelines to keep its customers safe. For one, customers must enter at the east end of the market’s south parking lot and exit at its west end. Additionally, only a certain number of people will be permitted to enter the market at a time, so be prepared to stand in line (while wearing facial coverings and maintaining a proper social distance, of course) before entering the market on especially busy days.

Other coronavirus-related policies:

  • Shoppers and vendors will be required to wear facial coverings at all times.
  • Social distancing of at least six feet must be maintained at all times.
  • Shoppers are asked to purchase their items and move along so that others may do the same, as well as to prepare a list to expedite shopping.
  • Shoppers are asked to designate one person per household to visit the market.
  • Shoppers will not be allowed to touch products, but instead must ask vendors for what they'd like to buy.
  • Shoppers cannot use their own bags.
  • Dogs are not permitted, aside from service animals.
  • Restrooms and water fountains are not available, and shoppers will not have access to the interior of the market building.
  • Shoppers should stay home if they're sick or have been in contact with someone who's sick.

Many vendors at the market will also be accepting EBT/SNAP and Produce Perks benefits. Tokens for these programs will be available near the entrance of the market.

For more information about 2nd Street Market and to stay informed about which vendors will be setting up shop on the day of your visit, pay a visit to their Facebook page.

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👨‍🌾3rd on Third

The 3rd on Third Market takes place every third Sunday from April to October.

Credit: Photo contributed by Peter Benkendorf

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Credit: Photo contributed by Peter Benkendorf

When: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month until Oct. 18

Where: 1121 E. 3rd St. in Dayton

This downtown Dayton institution often features antiques and collectibles, handmade and recycled items, produce, baked goods, food trucks and live music. Now open to the public, 3rd on Third has implemented a few new procedures that will keep its customers safe in the age of the coronavirus.

3rd on Third coronavirus procedures:

  • There will be more space between vendor booths to allow for social distancing.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be set up throughout the market.
  • Social distancing will also be encouraged for guests and vendors.
  • Masks will be worn by staff, and customers are encouraged to also wear masks.

For more information about 3rd on Third, pay a visit to their website or Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Downtown Franklin Ohio Farmers Market

The Downtown Franklin Farmers Market will open for its seventh season on Saturday. The weekly farmers market features local vendors and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 14 at the Franklin City Building parking lot, 1 Benjamin Franklin Way. CONTRIBUTED FILE PHOTO

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When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Sept. 12

Where: 1 Benjamin Franklin Way in Franklin

Located in downtown Franklin, the Franklin Farmers Market is now open and offering plenty of local produce and goods to the masses. If you’re at a vulnerable age or have any pre-existing medical conditions, organizers are encouraging you to shop at the market from 9-10 a.m. Wearing masks and maintaining a proper social distance are recommended at the market.

More information about the Franklin Farmers Market can be found on their Facebook page.

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👨‍🌾Cherry Street Local Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon until Sept. 26

Where: South Cherry Street between West Main and West Franklin streets in Troy

Troy residents looking for fresh produce and other local goods can find a large assortment at the Cherry Street Local Farmers Market, located on South Cherry Street in downtown Troy.

Before you head to the market, be aware of these guidelines that the market has instituted to avoid the spread of the coronavirus:

  • Only one person will be permitted inside of a booth at a time.
  • Maintain a social distance of six feet at all times.
  • Don't touch any items that you aren't going to purchase.
  • Vendors and customers will be required to wear a face mask.
  • Purchase your desired items as quickly as you can so that the market can avoid overcrowding.

For more information about the Cherry Street Local Farmers Market (like which vendors will be at the market each week), head to their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Eaton Earlybird Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (closing date has yet to be determined)

Where: At the intersection of Barron and Somers streets in Eaton

Though Eaton’s Earlybird Farmers Market has not officially opened for the season yet, a small group of vendors have decided to set up shop in downtown Eaton. Social distancing and masks will be encouraged by customers and mandated by vendors. The vendors will be selling baked goods, plants, produce and frozen meat.

👨‍🌾Lebanon Ohio Farmers Market

Farmers Market starts this Thursday from 3-7pm! Check out this year's vendors!

Posted by Lebanon Ohio Farmers Market on Monday, May 11, 2020

When: Every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. until Oct. 15

Where: The city lot at the corner of West Main and Sycamore streets

The Lebanon Farmers Market is open once again and offering a plentiful array of fresh produce and local goods.

This year, the Lebanon Farmers Market will be putting a few measures into place to ensure the health and well-being of its patrons:

  • Vendors will be spaced further apart and there will be no cloth table coverings, samples or single-use packaging and bags.
  • Vendors will also be regularly cleaning their booths, wearing gloves and have been strongly encouraged to wear masks.
  • Customers should be practicing social distancing and are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
  • Customers should not be touching any items that they do not intend on purchasing.
  • If customers feel sick, they should stay home.

More information regarding the Lebanon Farmers Market can be found on their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Miamisburg Farmers Market

When: Every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. (closing date has yet to be determined)

Where: Miamisburg Christian Church, 1146 E. Central Ave. in Miamisburg

The Miamisburg Farmers Market, located at the Miamisburg Christian Church, will be selling meat, milk, fresh produce and other local goods every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. The elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions are encouraged to shop between 2:30-3 p.m.

Head to the Miamisburg Farmers Market's Facebook page for more information about vendors and market guidelines.

👨‍🌾Oakwood Farmers Market

Crowds peruse the local produce at the Oakwood Farmers Market. From now through the end of the market season is a great time to find fruits and vegetables. SARA MASTBAUM THOMAS/CONTRIBUTED

Credit: SARA MASTBAUM THOMAS

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Credit: SARA MASTBAUM THOMAS

When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 17

Where:  22 Orchard Drive in Oakwood

Open now to the public, the Oakwood Farmers Market, in operation since 2013, has worked tirelessly to provide fresh produce, gourmet food and artisans to the heart of the city’s business district. This year, operations will look somewhat different as vendors readjust to the new normal.

Organizers of the farmers market have put the following coronavirus-related precautions in place:

  • Customers must stay home and not return until they are free of fever for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) and, at least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
  • They recommend that shoppers wear cloth face covering as recommended by the CDC.
  • They ask that customers eat and drink their goodies outside of the market space.
  • They also ask that shoppers prioritize their purchases and discontinue social gatherings.
  • If possible, they ask shoppers to send only one member from each household to the market in order to curtail crowds.
  • Practice the recommended 6-inch social distancing from one another while at the market.
  • Refrain from touching any products, rather allowing the vendor to select and bag products customers wish to purchase.
  • Clean your hands frequently. Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning your hands. Hand sanitizing stations will be at the entry/exit as well as at the back of the market.
  • Discontinue use of reusable bags and materials at this time. Accept only new bags from your farmers and food producers.
  • Volunteers (they will be wearing fruit and vegetable masks) will assist those in need from the hours of 9-10 a.m. Look for a sign in front of the market entrance and a volunteer will be there to assist you.
  • There will not be food trucks for the month of June. They will re-evaluate food trucks throughout the season.

More information can be discovered about the Oakwood Farmers Market by paying a visit to their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Piqua Community Farmers Market

When: Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. until Sept. 10

Where: 116 W. High St. in Piqua

Located on High Street in front of the Piqua Public Library, the Piqua Community Farmers Market will be offering fresh produce and other local goods. Similar to other farmers markets in the area, customers at the Piqua Community Farmers Market are encouraged to maintain a proper social distance and wear facial coverings.

More information about the farmers market can be accessed by heading to their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Sugarcreek Township Farmers Market

Scenes from the Sugarcreek Twp. Farmer's Market, 4333 Feedwire Road, Sugarcreek Twp., Greene County, Friday, Oct. 15, 2010.

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

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Credit: E.L. Hubbard

When: Fridays from 3-6 p.m.

Where: 6124 Wilmington Pike in Dayton (behind the Fazoli's)

Every Friday, the Sugarcreek Township Farmers Market is open to the public from 3-6 p.m., offering goods like fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, pottery and an assortment of other things. Social distancing is encouraged for vendors and customers.

More information can be found about the local farmers market by visiting their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Yellow Springs Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday from 8-11 a.m.

Where: Antioch University Midwest, 900 Dayton. St. in Yellow Springs

This popular Yellow Springs institution has moved its location to better comply with coronvirus-related mandates from the state.

These are the policies that the Yellow Springs Farmers Market has put in place to keep their customers safe:

  • Customers and vendors should be wearing facial coverings at all times while in the market.
  • A physical distance of six feet between customers should be maintained at all times.
  • A hand sanitizing station will be available at the entrance of the farmers market.

For more information about the Yellow Springs Farmers Market, pay a visit to their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Miami County Virtual Farmers Market

When: Pickup for goods purchased online will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesdays

Where: First Place Christian Center, 16 W. Franklin St. in Troy

Still feeling wary about leaving your house but still want a chance to purchase fresh produce and other goods from local vendors? The Miami County Virtual Farmers Market is here to help. Each week, vendors post their available goods on Miami County's website, where customers can register for a free account and preview market offerings and place orders from Tuesday evening through Sunday evening. Then, customers can come to the First Place Christian Center in Troy to pick up their fresh local goods from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesdays. The market will likely run year-round.

👨‍🌾Springfield Farmers Market

The Springfield Farmers Market will enter its 14th season on Saturday with several precautions to encourage safety measures while still offering fresh food items to customers. Courtesy photo

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When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: 117 S. Fountain Ave. in Springfield

The Springfield Farmers Market is back up and running for the 2020 season and will be located in the market alley between the CoHatch and Heritage Center.

The market will now be operating with the following coronavirus policies:

  • All employees, volunteers and staff members will be wearing facial coverings and sanitizing often.
  • Shoppers will be required to enter at the front of the Heritage Center and exit behind CoHatch.
  • Physical distancing of six feet between all people in the market will be observed.
  • Vendor booths will spaced farther apart.
  • Multiple sanitizing stations will be available.
  • There will be no scheduled food trucks, live music or other activities at the market for the 2020 season.
  • Increased way-finding and instructional signage will be posted to keep customers apart.

More information about Springfield Farmers Market can be found by heading to their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾This Old Farmers Market

When: Every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m. for high-risk population

Where: 3930 Dayton Xenia Road in Beavercreek

This Old Farmers Market in Beavercreek is now open to the public and instituting several health measures to keep its patrons safe. Customers can find assorted goods in the market, from local honey to kettle corn, roasted nuts, flowers and herbs.

This Old Farmers Market coronavirus policies:

  • The market will not be hosting live music, food trucks or be offering seating of any kind.
  • Customers will only enter the market on the front sidewalk and exit near the old chicken coop. There will be plenty of signage to signal this change.
  • Vendor booths will be spaced farther apart.
  • Marked spots will be placed on the ground to establish appropriate social distancing for customers.
  • Vendors will not be offering samples.
  • Customers are also encouraged to do prepaid ordering with vendors, if possible.
  • All staff members and vendors are required to wear facial coverings, while guests are encouraged to wear facial coverings while inside of the market.
  • Customers are encouraged to not bring small children and to only bring one member of their household at a time.
  • The store will also be open during the market hours, and customers are required to wear a mask inside of the store. Only 10 customers will be allowed in the store at one time.

For more information about This Old Farmers Market, head to their Facebook page.

👨‍🌾Saint Paris Farmers Market

When: Every Friday from 3-6 p.m. until Oct. 9

Where: 135 W. Main St. in Saint Paris

Every Friday through the beginning of October, the Saint Paris Farmers Market will be offering local goods like fresh produce, homemade artisan breads, pies, fudge, wellness balms and more to their customers. Social distancing is encouraged while visiting the market.

More information about the Saint Paris Farmers Market can be found on their Facebook page.

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