Next, the goal isn’t centered around making money, rather creating connections between the community and its park system.
“It’s not designed to create revenue but to get people into our parks,” Gretchen Rives, parks spokeswoman, said. “We just added a new playground to the park and will be planting poppies in a concentrated area so visitors can take photos or selfies with an amazing, colorful background.”
Vendors are still needed.
GCP&T is providing the space free-of-charge for vendors to set up booths from 2 to 6 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month through October at Hobson Freedom Park, 2910 Trebein Road.
So far there are six vendors registered with the parks to sell items at the market, according to Rives.
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“This is our first year, and we are still adding vendors,” Rives said.
Rives said GCP&T is looking to add amenities, including a food truck, live music and face painting.
The first market of the season was held last week. Two vendors enjoyed steady business — Xenia-based Our Family Soap and Heather’s Goodies from Sugarcreek Twp.
Without a retail place, selling home-crafted jams and other edibles at farmers markets is perfect for Heather Geldbaugh, of Heather’s Goodies.
“We are like family. When winter ends, we all get excited to get back to the markets,” Geldbaugh said. “I like the farmers markets because they’re local. You get to meet your neighbors, local artists, local farmers and honey people.”
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Geldbaugh said she uses homegrown peppers and strawberries to make her products, which include spicy glazes and “sweet jams with a twist,” like jams made with unusual combinations strawberry/basil and apricot/ginger.
Geldbaugh also sells spicy caramels and cherry-jalapeno chocolates.
“We’re still early in the season. There are not a lot of fruits and veggies right now,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a phenomenal market. Not paying to be there, that’s definitely a bonus.”
Costs to rent space are typical at other local farmers markets and there are several in the Dayton area, including 2nd Street Market, This Old Farmer’s Market at This Old Couch in Beavercreek, as well as markets in Fairborn, Yellow Springs, Centerville, Sugarcreek Twp., Lebanon, Troy and more.
Vendors who offer locally-grown fruit, vegetables, meats, coffee, honey, eggs and more can apply on GCP&T's website, www.gcparkstrails.com, or pick up an application at 575 Ledbetter Road, Xenia. For more information, call (937) 562-6440 or send an email to info@gcparkstrails.com.
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