“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.” – B.C. Forbes
When we think about the farmers market movement, rows of brightly-hued produce are likely the first images called to mind. And while farmers, and the fruits of their labor, are at the heart of the local food movement, many farmers markets are also focused on community outreach – fostering relationships among regional artisans, and offering opportunities to celebrate the local economy.
As a result, the coordinators of these markets are often as diverse as the fare they offer, ranging from local farmers to businesses building networks to meet local needs.
The latter is the case for the Millersport Coffee Community Market, a newly formed gathering of farmers and artisans, founded by Tim and Jenn Koenig.
The popular coffee house after which the market is named, Millersport Coffee, was established by the Koenigs on April 1 of this year. This shop serves as their newest venture, in addition to the already-thriving Scioto Valley Coffee shop in Circleville.
Seasoned entrepreneurs with a fledgling business, Tim and Jenn began building Millersport partnerships shortly after their company’s debut.
“We live here, and we want to invest in our community. We asked ourselves, ‘How can we bring people together? How can we make a difference?’” Tim Koenig shared.
Looking to lend a sustainable use to the Millersport Coffee parking lot, the Koenigs developed a plan for a showcase of local growers and businesses to help add healthy fun to their community.
“We look at this as a way to provide access to locally-sourced, healthy food options,” Koenig affirmed.
Featuring ten vendors, market patrons can expect to find produce, honey, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, and other locally sourced body products and consumables. But, with the support of volunteer market coordinator, Caitlyn Monroe, the Koenigs’ market is as much about creating experiences as generating commerce.
As Koenig explains, one local shop, Picadilly Vintage, offers a particularly heartfelt way to educate and engage local children as part of the market. Featuring a rentable lemonade stand that children can reserve for only five dollars, Picadilly provides all of the required supplies for a thriving lemonade venture. For that day, children are empowered to practice business skills, learn about revenue and expenses, and build local friendships – all while bringing a splash of youthful fun to the market.
Launched on June 5, the Millersport Coffee Market will run every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., through the end of September. There is also a special fall offering of the market being planned, with details still to be announced.
The market, which is located at 12043 Millersport Rd NE, has even been known to feature the occasional food truck, so attendees should always expect the unexpected.
And while the Millersport Coffee Market is close to maximum occupancy, farmers and artisans of all backgrounds are encouraged to offer their own unique contributions, submitting their vendor application at https://millersportcoffee.com/.
Koenig is excited about the potential impact of the Millersport Coffee Market, not only for the customers, but for the local economy, as well. According to anecdotal information received by the Koenigs, establishments surrounding the market experience a substantial increase in patrons on market days – an inspiring prospect for community-minded entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the Koenigs are quick to credit the eagerness and generosity of the Buckeye Lake residents for the success of their market, their coffee shop, and their neighbors.
One such example is the ongoing sponsorships offered by local businesses, each providing free coffee to the community through Millersport Coffee. The sponsorships, which cost only $100, are initiated by the businesses themselves and have provided countless pleasant surprises to the coffee shops patrons – all motivated by the spirit of collaboration that characterizes Buckeye Lake.
However, such an effort requires additional support to thrive, and as Tim Koenig asserts, outreach about Millersport area initiatives often go unseen.
To this end, the Koenigs urge community members to spread the word about the market, as well as other local initiatives – not only through social media, but through word of mouth, and the power of personal connection.
By sharing our enthusiasm for local resources, we can help keep our communities strong. And even a small gesture, like a trip to farmers market, can go a long way in the support of entrepreneurship, and the local growers who offer us a healthier way of life.
For more information about the Millersport Community Market, visit https://millersportcoffee.com/.
Upcoming events
Friday, July 30, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Lancaster Festival Downtown Concert Stage will feature two concerts, Shadow in the Moon, followed by Strong Therapy. This event is free to the community, so bring a friend, and a chair, and enjoy a fun evening of music. For more information, visit www.lancasterfestival.org/.
Saturday, July 31, at 8 p.m. on the Wendel Concert Stage, don’t miss the Grand Finale of the Lancaster Festival. This concert will feature Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra. Adult Lawn tickets are $30 ($40 at the gate) and child lawn tickets are $10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.lancasterfestival.org/.
Thursday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Aug. 7, the Baltimore festival will take over Johnson Park, in the Village of Baltimore. Featuring the annual Queen’s Pageant, Cruise-in, rides, food, local music – including Fairfield County favorite Bad Influence – and much more. For a full list of activities, visit https://baltimorefestival.org/.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share local events! Please contact me about local initiatives at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com!
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