FOSTORIA - Vendors are being accepted for this year's Fostoria Farmers Markets. The first is set for May 5 and is to have a Mother's Day theme.
The markets are to take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays at the downtown office of KeyBank, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria.
"Last year's markets were a huge success - they did much better than we had ever imagined. We started with about 15 vendors, and by the end of the season, our average was around 30," said chairwoman Carol Kinn. "By highlighting different themes, we brought in different vendors and different groups of customers, besides the steady faithful who came all the time, no matter what the theme was."
Kinn said she especially enjoyed the "Dog Days of Summer." That market featured the Dogonits 4-H group with obedience demonstrations, pets from the Seneca County Humane Society, local veterinarians and dog groomers. Carol Creeger Photography took pictures of pets with their families.
"We were able to have fresh, locally grown produce available to our customers for several months. Sweet corn season was fantastic," Kinn said.
She said Fostoria Garden Club does not make a profit by running the markets, but members were able to raise money with their own "garden booth" and use those funds to spruce up the downtown area. Club members purchased and planted roses and various other shrubs and perennials in the landscape areas.
"Besides being a very positive thing for Fostoria, we were very pleased with the number of non-profit groups who got involved," Kinn said.
The dates and themes for this year are May 19, "Flower Power;" June 2, "Kid's Day;" June 16, Father's Day; July 7, "Red, White & Bloom;" July 21, "Healthy Living;" Aug. 4, "Art at the Market;" Aug 18, "Dog Days of Summer;" Sept. 8, "Old Thymes;" and Sept. 22, "Fall Harvest."
For more information, email fostoriamarket@yahoo.com.
