While many businesses toiled and struggled during the year that was 2020, the Ohio Valley Farmer’s Market actually thrived.
Classified as an essential business, the market provided its vendors an outlet to sell their produce and other products, along with giving socially starved customers a regular outlet to get out of their homes, do a little shopping amongst the public, and also support local farms and businesses in the process.
As the 2021 market season drew near back in May, market organizers were hoping that, with easing restrictions and the growing number of vaccinated Americans, the previous year’s attendance trend would carry over.
Sadly, that’s not been the case.
“During 2020, the support for the farmers’ market was beyond anything we imagined,” Susan West, manager for the OVFM, said. “People came out in droves week after week. As we prepared for the 2021 season, we hoped that the lessons of 2020 would stick, and people would continue to want to support local farms and small businesses.
“Sadly, that hasn’t been the case. Numbers are down, and it’s been discouraging.”
West noted the non-produce vendors have been hit the hardest. Whether they sell artisan crafts or value-added food or even the youth market vendors, those types have been hit the hardest by the lack of customers.
But is it just the Ohio Valley Farmer’s Market that’s experiencing such a downturn? From people she’s talked with, the problem is far more widespread.
“My first indication that it wasn’t just a trend here in the Ohio Valley came when a grower in one of my Facebook marketing groups asked if other markets were down this season,” West admitted. “While some growers commented that things were great, most were seeing a downturn in sales and attendance.”
Widespread Issue
West talked about a story that her husband read in a farm publication earlier this week titled “Where Did Everyone Go? The Buy Local Boom of the Pandemic Bottoms Out in 2021.”
It confirmed some of West’s suspicions, that the issue was far more widespread than the Ohio Valley and the Ohio Valley Farmers’ Market.
“I wish I knew the cause. If I did, I’d address it,” West admitted. “I did talk to one person recently who asked how the market was going. When I lamented that things were slow, he commented and said he’d only been there twice this season and didn’t have an excuse for his absence. People seem to do what’s convenient … until it’s not.”
It’s even taken a toll on West’s own market offerings. She recently made the decision to stop keeping laying hens. Keep in mind, West has sold eggs for more than 40 years. But, the last two seasons, she’s ended up in the red.
“People just aren’t willing to pay a price that affords me a profit. I understand the reluctance, but I can’t continue to produce a product at a loss,” West said. “It’s sad because the health benefits of an organic egg from free-ranging hens make it a superfood.
“I will never understand why, of all the places, where people have to spend their money, they want to make sure the food they buy is inexpensive. It should be the one place we don’t compromise.”
Still Market Days Remaining
The OVFM still has a few weeks left in its season, running through the end of October, both on Saturdays in Bellaire and Thursdays at the Ohio Valley Mall.
There are also a few exciting events coming up at both locations.
On Thursday, Sept. 16, the Ohio Valley Mall farmers’ market will host its second annual Apple Fest. There will be plentiful amounts of apple desserts and apples available for purchase.
Next month, on Oct. 7, D.J. Mr. K. will provide music at the market, and then on Oct. 28, the final Thursday market of the season will take place. That night, there will be a Trick or Treat event in anticipation of the upcoming Halloween holiday.
Market hours in October will change from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays to 4-6 p.m. to allow vendors the opportunity to pack up before dark.
Saturdays in Bellaire, there will be live music, a Kids’ Corner activity, and a food truck each week. On Sept. 25, Christmas at the Market will be held with Santa Claus making an early appearance in the Ohio Valley.
He’ll be joined by a woodcarver, a face painter, a puppet show, and the Belmont County Soil & Water. The artisan crafters at the fair will be highlighted as customers will have an early opportunity to pick up quality and unique Christmas gifts.
The Bellaire market will host its Trick or Treat at the Market event on Saturday, Oct. 30. Kids can come in costume to both Halloween-style events to receive treats from all the vendors.
For more information, visit the market online or stop by its Facebook page.
