Since Crocker Park’s opening in 2004, we have been privileged to host the North Union Farmers Market, a nonprofit organization that operates certified, producer-only farmers markets. What does certified, producer-only mean you ask? Let us tell you a little bit about it.
The North Union first opened in 1995 and has since functioned to offer Clevelanders and Northeast Ohioans access to healthy, fresh, local produce sold directly to them by farmers. Their mission is to promote the local foods of Northeast Ohio and their environmental, economic and health benefits by connecting certified producers with consumers through their network of markets.
The North Union fulfills this mission by operating several producer-only farmers markets each week, including Crocker Park on Saturdays. Certified, producer-only, simply put, means that each vendor undergoes an onsite farm inspection and application process in order to receive a certification for participation. Therefore, when you come to the North Union Farmers Market, you know you are getting a good product.
Located in the lot across from First Watch at Crocker Park, the farmers market operates every Saturday morning from 9am-1pm showcasing a variety of venders and educating the public on the benefits of eating locally grown food. This year the market started April 16th and will run until November 19th. The North Union Farmers Market is more than just a farmers market, it is a fun way to spend Saturday morning with family and friends and there is always a lot to see!
Crocker Park recently started the Mange Urban Gardening Program and built a special urban garden to be part of the farmers market! The project incorporates a green roof, rainwater collection, and organic compost with product from the garden being donated to the Plant a Row project in conjunction with Master Gardeners. Also beginning shortly, we will be highlighting a new farmer from the farmers market each week here on our blog, so stay tuned! In the meantime check out our video from last weeks farmers market! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6a8mFXpWGE
As you can see, the North Union Farmers Market is a weekly event you do not want to miss! So come check it out this Saturday, June 18th for our Strawberry Festival that will include games for children, live music and an abundance of big, beautiful, fresh farm strawberries! Yum!
Go to the North Union Farmers Market website for more information including a seasons chart, recipes and 10 Reasons to Eat Local! http://www.northunionfarmersmarket.org/
You can also follow Crocker Park on Facebook and Twitter for updates!
