Goshen Farmers Market promotes shopping local for the Holiday Season
GOSHEN, Ind. -- The Goshen Farmers Market is wrapping up its 26th season, providing the community with plenty of local goods just in time for the holidays.
As the market prepares for its winter break, vendors and shoppers alike are reflecting on a year marked by growth and strong community support. This season saw an increase in the number of vendors and growing demand for locally made and grown products.
"We're excited to see that the farmers market is continuing to be a vital community hub in Goshen and the surrounding communities," said Jo Ellen Davis, the market manager who has been with the market for over a decade. "This year has been a big one for the community, with several new vendors joining us."
Among these new businesses is The Painted Owl, a handmade goods shop owned by Brittany Suelow. After leaving her full-time job, Suelow opened the store to meet a need she noticed in the community.
"As a community, as a nation, we're seeing a bigger push for supporting local and giving smaller folks a shot," Suelow said. "We've only been here about five weeks, but the response has been fantastic.”
Local shoppers, looking for unique gifts and fresh ingredients for holiday meals, have gathered at the market to support small businesses instead of heading to big box stores.
"The holiday season is always the busiest for everybody," Davis said. "Vendors really appreciate that extra boost in their annual sales."
Russell Hochstetler, a woodshop vendor, has enjoyed a successful holiday season too. A retiree, Hochstetler began woodworking as a hobby with friends in his retirement community. The market provides him with an opportunity to stay engaged in the community while offering shoppers one-of-a-kind gifts.
"Just be creative and do different kinds of things," Hochstetler said. "The market has been great for visiting with people."
The Goshen Farmers Market will be back on January 3, ready to kick off the new year with fresh produce and more local goods.