I love this time of year; The trees are green, flowers in bloom, bees a-buzzin’, and the legendary Ohio farmer’s markets return to our Riverway communities. There’s just nothing like strolling around farm stalls on a crisp midwestern morning (with an iced coffee in hand, of course), staring out at rows and rows of fresh produce and locally made products.
For me, it’s important to see where my food is coming from, and even more important that it comes from local sources. I want to support my local farmers and communities as much as possible, and choosing to shop farmer’s markets for some of your grocery needs is one way to do that. The produce seems to taste fresher, and it comes with less of a greenhouse gas footprint. Now, that is something worth biting into.
5 Tips Before You Go
Here are some tips on making your farmer’s market trip successful:
- Plan to have cash on hand. Some vendors don’t accept credit cards.
- Have meals in mind. Just like regular grocery shopping, you’ll end up walking away with more food than you need (or could possibly eat before It goes bad) if you hope to only be inspired upon arrival.
- Talk to the farmers. Ask what is best that week, listen to them, and buy that thing. Because they are intimately connected with their crops and lands, they know best.
- Bring your own reusable bags. Better for the environment, easier on the farmers, and better for your commute back home.
- Go beyond the produce. Farmer’s markets have so much more than fresh, great-tasting veggies and fruits. It’s a place to shop gifts, flowers, locally made honey, spices, jams, meats, eggs, and so much more. Find your new favorite pantry items.
Riverway Farmer’s Markets
Below is a list of our Riverway farmer’s markets, organized from northernmost (Sidney) to southernmost (Hamilton), with website links and further details.
The Great Sidney Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, 8am to 12pm in the Shelby County Court Square
Hosted by Sidney Alive
Vendors from all around the area provide great food, crafts, and more!
Piqua Community Farmer’s Market
Thursdays, May 23 through September 26, 3-6pm
Front of Piqua Public Library
facebook for updates
2024 Vendor List
Troy
Fulton Farms now open! 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Some noteworthy, upcoming events at the fam:
June 28 – Red Barn Market at Fulton Farms, an upscale market showcasing Ohio’s most unique handmade items.
Aug 3 & 4 – Sweet Corn Festival at Fulton Farms
Miami County Locally Grown Virtual Farmer’s Market (Pick-Up in Troy)
Miami County Locally Grown began in 2016 thanks to a collaborative effort between the Miami County Local Food Council, The Ohio State University Extension, and the USDA. Vendors/Producers all live within thirty miles of our downtown Troy location. Order online and pick up on Tuesdays.
Vendor List
Cherry Street Local Farmer’s Market (Troy)
Every Saturday, 9AM to Noon. June 8th to September 28th. South Cherry St./ Cherry Street Parking Lot.
o Currently accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. The market plans to accept Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), with matching Produce Points, and Women Infants and Children (WIC) in the very near future.
o Facebook page – find weekly vendor updates
Dayton 
2nd Street Market
Local growers, bakers, culinary specialists and artisans fill this charming historical freight house. Reminiscent of European markets, it’s alive with vendors, people and activity during market hours.
Downtown Franklin Farmer’s Market
2024 dates: Saturdays, 9:00 – 1:00,
May 25 through Sept. 14.
The Downtown Franklin Farmers Market is co-sponsored by the City of Franklin and the Chamber45005. Our goal is to help the community “Buy Fresh, Eat Local.”
Franklin City Building
1 Benjamin Franklin Way
Monroe
Garver Family Farm Market
6716 Hamilton Lebanon Rd.
Monroe, OH 45044
This charming, family-owned farm is home to an excellent selection of fresh produce and other great finds! Four generations have proudly cared for the Garver Family Farm which takes pride in serving customers with fresh quality products at an affordable price. With the Garver Family Farm offering different things every season, there is always something new and fun to discover!
Trenton
Barn n’ Bunk Farm Market
May 11 from 10am to 4pm
Barn-n-Bunk features three large jam-packed barns, each filled with different things to see, try, and do! Enjoy a selection of seasonal produce and baked goods offerings, find carefully handcrafted furniture and decor, or even try your hand at a pottery lesson! Shop local with over 40 crafters, and be sure to make a stop at their ice cream parlor for a sweet treat!
Hamilton Historic Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday May 18 to October 5
8AM to 12PM
Live music & chidlren’s activities the 3rd Saturday of every month.
The square around the Historic Butler County Courthouse: 101 High St. Parking is free during the market.
