Johnstown Farmers Market approved by council, trustees

Proponents of a Johnstown Farmers Market have been given the green light to proceed, with mid-June set for the grand opening in the Town Square.

Pat Kramer said during Tuesday's Johnstown Village Council meeting that she and Terri Steyer will serve as co-managers of the market.

"The church (of the Ascension) is no longer involved," Kramer said. "With laws and such, we decided to break away from the church. We would like to become a nonprofit."

Rodney Tornes and Dick Steyer, who presented the idea two weeks ago to council, will be in charge of the farming aspect of the operation.

Eight acres of land beside Church of the Ascension will be used to produce crops for the market, and the Johnstown FFA will be given a portion of that land in exchange for supplying plants including cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, cantaloupe, green peppers, rainbow peppers, garden salsa peppers, Beef Master tomatoes, Quick Pick hybrid tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, zucchini and yellow squash.

Proceeds of the farmer's market will be donated to Johnstown projects, according to Kramer.

Mayor Kevin Riffe said council was in favor of the idea when it was proposed on March 3, but they wanted Monroe Township approval, since the market will be located on its property as well as the village's.

The Monroe Township trustees okayed the market, at their March 16 meeting.

Law director Mary Ellen Fulk suggested Kramer obtain vendor forms that are available from the Mount Vernon farmer's market.

"They have passed the test of time without challenge," she said. "I think the way they are going at it is appropriate."

Acting village manager Randy Ashbrook asked if Kramer had investigated Johnstown's ordinance concerning a limited number of yard sales.

"The ordinance is for the resale of property in a residential area," Kramer said. "We're wholesale and not in a residential area. We'll police it to make sure there's no resale. All products must be grown or made by the person selling the product."

Kramer said the market will begin in June and continue until produce is gone, most likely in late October.

In addition to the market being held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, the Johnstown Farmers Market will also be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays during July and August.

Assistance from the Johnstown Historical Society and Downtown Johnstown, Inc. has also been offered to market organizers.

"The Johnstown Historical Society will help with any need," said Marvin Block, society president.

Anyone interested in the Farmer's Market can e-mail Dick Steyer at rsteyer@columbusmail.com.