PORTSMOUTH—Warmer days are here. The Main Street Portsmouth in Bloom crew are out beautifying the community, outdoor concerts are being held, and people are looking forward to taking on the outdoors once again. One of the most looked forward to summer events, the Main Street Portsmouth in Bloom Farmers Market on the Esplanade is getting ready to kick off this weekend.

Starting its registration period sooner than usual, the group already has 15 season vendors registered and Executive Director Emily Uldrich says there is still plenty of room for additional vendors wishing to join them.

With an opening date scheduled for May 18, and a full schedule of events planned at every market, they’re expecting big things and want an even larger vendor pool for shoppers to frequent.

Uldrich said her first year managing the market went very well in 2023 and the upcoming 15^th overall year is looking promising. The slate of events will include music, educational opportunities, community resource booths, giveaways, and more.

The market is a little different from other area markets that have fewer restrictions. These guidelines, which they have followed since day one, allow for the best quality product and a direct link from the grower or crafter to meet with the community members shopping.

“Our market is a maker and grower market,” Uldrich explained. “So, we follow the Ohio cottage industry rules. If people are selling produce, they either grew the produce themselves or an employee of the farmer who grew the produce. If they’re selling crafts or baked goods, they’ve made those themselves as well.”

The area is perfect for this type of event, which continues to grow. Uldrich says that it is easy to explain its success, since these products, and their creation, are strongly embedded in the soul of the community.

“We have a very strong tradition, in our Appalachian region, of craftsmanship, so we have a lot of vendors who are artists and artisans who make a wide commodity of goods to sell at the market,” Uldrich claimed.

The market is also a great opportunity for locals who dabble in crafts or farming to experience the business side of things. Many people who go on to make business a major focal point of their identities start in small markets, craft shows, and similar events. It is a way for them to be exposed to the experience on a small scale and see if they can take on more as they grow and learn.

“We do offer vendors one free day to set up at the market to test things out and see if they like it,” Uldrich explained.

Once a vendor enjoys setting up, they are welcome to buy a season or half-season pass or pay per setup.

The market was founded by Laurel DeAtley, Heather DeAtley, and Craig DeAtley, all of whom have served and supported the organization for well over a decade. Since community was an important element in the fabric of their envisioned market, each event has a different activity, and the group will open this year with a performance by Cirque d’Art Theatre.

“We’re so excited to have Cirque d’Art there to perform,” Uldrich said. “They’re so fascinating to watch. They’re such a talented group of people and it is really fun to showcase one of Portsmouth’s performing arts troupes.”

Also, during opening day, the group will be hosting its prize wheel day, where shoppers will be eligible to spin a wheel and win goods from the market. The giveaway will have $400 to giveaway in Scioto Bucks, which are sponsored by the Scioto County Commissioners, Kings Daughters Medical Center and Southern Ohio Medical Center.

“I think we’re going to have an excellent variety,” Uldrich said. “It is still a little early for a lot of produce, but we’re going to start with a wonderful array of baked goods, canned goods, and crafts.”

The Main Street Portsmouth in Bloom Farmers Market will be held on the Roy Roger Esplanade each Saturday, May 18 through October 5, between 9 a.m. and noon, outside of Memorial Day, Labor Day and River Days weekends. To learn more, or to register, visit www.mspohio.org or call 740.464.0203.

Reach Joseph Pratt at (740) 353-3101, by email at [email protected], © 2024 Portsmouth Daily Times, all rights reserved.