Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market opens May 4, kicks off seasonal events

by Judy Stringer and Laura Bednar

The outdoor Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market, formerly know as the Countryside Farmers Market, returns Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m.- noon. The weekly market is held at Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Rd. in Peninsula.

Maryann Lipaj, marketing coordinator for the market, said roughly 75 vendors have signed on to be part of the summer season.

“I think guests can expect to see about 70 on a weekly basis, because we do have monthly and bi-weekly vendors,” she said.

Along with produce, eggs and meat, the market offers breakfast and baked items along with craft coffee and a variety of specialty items including floral bouquets, handmade soaps and locally cultivated honey.

Lipaj said anywhere from 1,500-2,000 guests stroll the meadow each week during the summer to enjoy the picturesque atmosphere and onsite entertainment.

“There’s definitely some great musicians that are coming back, and we’ve added more seating and umbrellas, so people can get some food, sit down and just hangout because it’s such a beautiful setting,” she said.

Keep on eye on the market’s website, cuyahogavalleyfarmersmarket.org, for information on educational opportunities, including yoga stretches and visits from Summit County Master Gardeners, and special events, such as the Tomato Tasting Festival on Aug. 24. Bring cash in addition to credit cards as some vendors only accept cash, Lipaj advised, and your reusable totes.

“Bring your curiosity as well,” she said. “All of our vendors love sharing their knowledge, and they really are an incredible local expertise base.”

Check out these area farms for other fresh, local goods.

Pick n’ Save Orchard, at 1222 Ledge Rd. in Medina, has weekend reservations for pick-your-own apples and berries. Appointments are one hour and can be made online at picknsaveorchard.com. Berry containers and apple bags will be provided. The farm will have sweet cherries in June, blueberries and raspberries in July, blackberries and elderberries in late July/August, early apples in July and August, and other apples until November.

Moonlight Hill Farm, at 7888 N. Boyden Rd., in Sagamore Hills holds goat yoga sessions each summer. Visit the farm’s Facebook page for information on each session and comment or message if interested in attending. The farm also offers private group classes for goat yoga.

Majestic Meadows Alpacas farm, at 4195 Abbeyville Rd. in Medina, has goat yoga sessions throughout the summer. The farm also hosts “Junior Farmer with a twist” sessions for children ages 8-14 in which kids will interact with and learn about a diverse array of animals. See more information at majesticmeadowsalpacas.com.

Spice Acres farm, at 9557 Riverview Rd. in Brecksville, offers “Plated Landscape” dinners of food made with seasonal and place-based ingredients from the region paired with wine. The dinners take place at multiple locations, including outside at Spice Acres farm. See spiceheadquarters.com/events for more information.

Stone Garden Farm & Village, at 2891 Southern Rd., in Richfield offers a variety of heritage homestead classes through the summer and fall including baking, cheese and butter making, fermentation, soap making, and animal care and chicken butchering. See more at stonegardenfarm.com. ∞