Shop Locally at Frontier Park's Open Market

Magda Ehlers

With summer in full swing, many look forward to the much-loved summer staple: the farmer's market. Or rather, an open market in the case of The Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF). Saturday the 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. marks the first day of what LEAF hopes to become a biweekly market hosting local artists, crafters, and vendors. 

This weekend, LEAF's Open Market promises shoppers a wide array of produce, fresh bread, herbs, oils, vinegars, plants, desserts, and more from local vendors. 

Shoppers can expect to see Majestic Baking Company selling fresh breads, Wild Field Urban Farm offering dried herbs and flowers, Post Apples with produce, and Café 7-10 selling prepackaged baked goods to name a few. 

"Over the past years, so many people have thought that Frontier Park would be a great place for a market like this so when we put out the flyer and started the social media we had an overwhelmingly awesome response from everybody," Jamie Keim, LEAF's projects & design manager, explained. "I think it's going to be a great turnout. The weather is going to be great and it's in such a great part of the park, it's shaded and Frontier is beautiful right now." 

Having been unable to host its regular education programs and other fun community events due to COVID-19, Keim said the nonprofit organization wanted to create an event that safely brought the community to Frontier Park. 

"We have just an awesome park for a farmers market or an open market," said Keim. "[The idea] went from a small brainstorm session to the health department calling us and saying 'hey, please do this, we need more fresh and accessible food in the community. We're totally behind you.'" 

As a safety precaution, the market is currently limiting itself to only produce and prepackaged foods people can take home to enjoy. Those who attend are urged to wear masks and follow guidelines and markers to ensure proper social distance and safe food handling. LEAF is also highlighting its environmentally forward mission by encouraging sustainable shopping and will be selling reusable bags. 

The market entrance will be on West 8th Street and Seminole Drive. Customers are asked to refrain from using local businesses' parking lots and to prioritize the public street parking available. 

"We are hoping that this is a biweekly event," Keim said. "This is our first pilot one and if it goes well, which I don't see why it wouldn't, we're hoping to have another on August 1 and continuing every other Saturday until the bad weather comes again. We're also hoping for an early spring so this can go on throughout the summer." 

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/637027423837919/