ChillicoFarmers Market | Chillicothe

The Chillicothe Farmers Market is a well-established and cherished community institution located in Chillicothe, Ohio. It serves as a vibrant gathering place where local farmers, artisans, and residents come together to celebrate and support the region’s agricultural heritage and small-scale entrepreneurship. The market offers a diverse range of fresh, locally sourced products and handmade goods, fostering a direct connection between producers and consumers, which benefits the local economy and promotes sustainable practices.

Location and Schedule

The market operates year-round, adapting its schedule and setting to the seasons to ensure accessibility and convenience for shoppers throughout the year.

Summer Season (May through October): The market is held outdoors on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It takes place in the parking lot of the Ross County Service Center, located at 475 Western Avenue in Chillicothe. This outdoor setting provides a lively, open-air atmosphere where vendors set up booths or tents displaying their fresh products.

Winter Season (November through April): During the colder months, the market shifts indoors to the same location, maintaining Saturday hours but with a slightly later start from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The indoor setting ensures that both vendors and customers can continue to participate comfortably despite weather conditions.

Product Offerings

The Chillicothe Farmers Market is known for its broad variety of goods, reflecting the agricultural richness and artisanal talents of the surrounding region. More than 30 local vendors participate regularly, offering products that include:

Fresh Produce: A wide assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers, ranging from spring greens and summer tomatoes to fall pumpkins and root vegetables. The produce is typically harvested within hours or days before market day, ensuring exceptional freshness and flavor.

Baked Goods: Artisanal breads, sweet treats like cakes and cookies, pastries, and other baked delights made by local bakers. These items showcase traditional recipes and creative flavors, often using ingredients sourced from local farms.

Meats and Eggs: Pasture-raised meats such as beef, pork, and chicken, alongside free-range eggs. Vendors often emphasize humane farming practices and sustainable animal husbandry.

Honey and Maple Syrup: Locally harvested honey and pure maple syrup, both prized for their natural taste and health benefits. These products reflect the seasonal rhythms and natural resources of the region.

Plants and Flowers: Fresh-cut flowers, vibrant hanging baskets, and vegetable plants are available, catering to gardeners and flower enthusiasts looking to beautify their homes or start their own gardens.

Handmade Crafts and Body Products: The market also features artisans offering handcrafted soaps, candles, and other body care items, alongside unique crafts that highlight local creativity and craftsmanship.

Online Shopping and Convenience

Recognizing the need for accessibility and convenience, the Chillicothe Farmers Market operates an online ordering system in addition to the in-person market. This service allows customers to place orders from participating vendors via the market’s online platform.

Ordering Window: Online orders can be placed starting Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM through Friday morning at 8:00 AM.

Pickup: Customers pick up their orders in person at the market on Saturday mornings during market hours. This hybrid model supports both in-person interaction and the convenience of online shopping.

Payment Methods: The market accepts various payment methods including credit cards, cash, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Notably, EBT users can also benefit from Veggie Perks, a program that provides bonus funds to encourage the purchase of fresh produce.

Community and Vendor Engagement

The market is deeply rooted in community values, actively fostering partnerships with local organizations such as the Adena Health System, Ross County Health District, and local farms like Owl’s Nest Garden Flower Farm. These collaborations enhance the market’s outreach and its role in promoting public health, food security, and local agriculture.

Vendor participation is actively encouraged, and the market maintains clear rules and bylaws to ensure quality, safety, and fairness. Prospective vendors must submit applications, provide proof of liability insurance, and comply with relevant licensing requirements to join the market.

Cultural and Economic Importance

Beyond its role as a retail outlet, the Chillicothe Farmers Market functions as a cultural hub, preserving and promoting the traditions of local farming and artisanal craft. It strengthens the community by providing a space for social interaction, education, and celebration of local heritage. Economically, the market supports small-scale producers by offering them direct access to consumers, allowing them to retain a larger share of their earnings and reinvest in their operations.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Chillicothe Farmers Market can expect a welcoming atmosphere marked by friendly vendors eager to share knowledge about their products and farming practices. The market is a place to discover fresh, wholesome foods and unique handcrafted items, as well as to engage in community life. It provides an authentic experience of Chillicothe’s agricultural roots and ongoing commitment to sustainability and local economy.

The market’s adaptability to seasonal changes, emphasis on fresh, local products, and integration of both traditional and modern shopping conveniences make it a vital resource for residents and visitors alike. It embodies the spirit of community-supported agriculture and continues to be a cornerstone of Chillicothe’s social and economic fabric.