Shoppers get a sampling  of family fun, healthy food

Sponsors say Main Street event promotes local business and goodwill with vendors and customers.

Sisters Elizabeth and Sara Schaefer sit at their booth at the Farmers Market at Armstead Park in Hamilton on Thursday, July 9, 2009.

Staff photo by Greg Lynch Sisters Elizabeth and Sara Schaefer sit at their booth at the Farmers Market at Armstead Park in Hamilton on Thursday, July 9, 2009.

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By Everdeen Mason, Staff Writer Updated 10:56 PM Thursday, July 9, 2009

HAMILTON — For the Schaefers, the Main Street Farmers Market is a family affair.

“It’s a family thing,” said Ruth Schaefer, 40, of Trenton. Not only does Schaefer’s mother- and father-in-law help, her young daughters help, too.

“We raise all the veggies and sheep and cows,” said Elizabeth Schaefer, 11. She and her sister Sara, 9, do most of the gardening, cut the vegetables for the market on Thursday mornings, and sell the vegetables at their own table, she said.

Besides family, Ruth Schaefer likes “being able to bring good, healthy food to people who can’t go out and get it,” she said. “We’ve gained a very large customer base.”

The market brings in customers such as Mary Plenz, 78, from South Washington Street.

“Everything is fresh, which is great,” Plenz said. Plenz comes to the market once a month to “just check to see what they have.”

First-timer Jenny Waller said she came for the freshness of the produce, as well as the local flavor.

“I like that everything is local, and supporting local farmers,” said the Fairfield resident.

The draw of fresh produce and local community doesn’t just benefit farmers and their customers.

“Main Street benefits, too,” said Nancy Bruns of the Main Street Board who sponsors the market. “It gets people into the business district and brings people from other areas. People shop in the shops when they come here.”

The Main Street Board started the farmers market last year, and it was very successful, she said.

“It promotes business in the area, and goodwill, too.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2192 or emason@coxohio.com.

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