Cleveland.com is reporting that the popular North Union Farmers market has opened for the new season.
On Saturday morning, vendors at Shaker Square hung onto their tents tightly as strong winds blew across. They were getting ready for the second weekend of the North Union Farmers Market’s outdoor season.
The market, which moves to the Van Aken District’s Market Hall in Shaker Heights during the winter, had about 25 vendors offering local groceries, sweets, and home goods. It runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Erika Gardner, owner of Truly Rooted Juicery, shared her excitement for her first season selling juices at the Shaker Square market. She said, “The best part about the farmers markets is that it’s just a growing community.”
Gardner, who started her business in 2020, makes her own juices and ginger-based shots after learning about their health benefits. Her favorite juice is the Ginger Snap, made with ginger, apple, and lemon.
Aaron Fountain, who recently moved to Washington, D.C., stopped by the market while back in Cleveland for the eclipse. He used to visit every weekend when he lived in Cleveland, supporting small businesses like Edwin’s for a chocolate croissant and Woolf Farm for peaches and apples.
Cheryl Layshock, a long-time vendor from Morning Song Gardens, has been selling candles, soap, and flowers at the market for 27 years. Her son Freddy now helps her, saying his favorite part is talking to people.
Jeffrey Morsfield, founder of Jeff’s Candy Shop, enjoys connecting with customers and sharing his homemade sweets like candied nuts and honey spoons. His favorite product is his mom’s recipe for English toffee bars, which brings back happy memories.
Despite the cold weather last weekend, Morsfield is happy to be at the market, meeting customers face-to-face. He said, “We’re all just happy to be here and excited for the rest of the season.”