As the weather turns colder, farmers market shoppers are reminded that the season of fresh produce and farm goods is winding down. Yet, at the Fort Thomas Farmers’ Market, the final three weeks of the season promise to be a special time.
The market moves indoors with extended hours and more vendors as it transforms into the Fort Thomas Holiday Market.
This is the second year for the Holiday Market, which will run on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14 inside the Mess Hall at Tower Park.
The market moved to Tower Park last year, said Market Director Tiffany Tomeo. “It was a really great fit for us. The vibe is very walkable, very in touch with the outdoors. Being on the grass and not having the asphalt underneath us baking us all summer has been real benefit to us,” she said.
This year the city approved a sidewalk for the farmers’ market, making the shopping experience more ADA accessible. “So now we’re able to be a lot more available to all different kinds of people. And that’s really a priority of ours,” Tomeo explained.
Moving into the Mess Hall next door for the cold months was a nice way to keep the vibe of the market flowing, she added.
For the Holiday Market, about 20 arts and crafts vendors join the 20 or so farm food vendors, doubling the offerings for shoppers.
On the food side of things, Tomeo said there is less fresh produce on offer. Vendors are moving toward fall crops including apples and root vegetables. Several farms offer meat, and the market is adding different food vendors to round out the selection.
There will be specialty foods including a chocolate maker as well as cheeses from regular vendor In the Curious Kitchen plus some meats like pork and chicken. To supplement the lack of fresh foods, there will be artists and craft vendors for attendees to peruse.
There’s no entrance fee for the Holiday Market, but Tomeo said the event offers a good opportunity to give back to the community through charity drives. She picks a different charity for each of the Holiday Market weeks.
Last year the market asked patrons to bring donations for the Care Closet and had a very successful diaper drive, as well as a coat drive. Tomeo says she is still lining up the charities for this year’s market.
Tomeo said she is excited about the upcoming Holiday Market, especially its location inside the Mess Hall. “It’s a really beautiful historic building, and I feel like it really adds to the ambiance and the experience.”
She said she’s excited, too, about bringing the community and local small business together. “That’s what really motivates me…The vendors are the most hardworking people I’ve ever met.”
Tomeo also noted that Boy Scout Troop 437 will be on hand at the Holiday Market to sell Christmas trees.
The Holiday Market is located inside the Mess Hall in Tower Park at 801 Cochran Avenue. For more information, see the Fort Thomas Farmers’ Market website or check them out on Facebook.
