McDONALD - A weekly sale of produce, vegetables and other fall items has drawn crowds to the newly started McDonald Farmers Market held from 4 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday at the Ramsay Pavilion.
The market will continue through September and into October, water and produce permitting.
Area farmers and craftsmen have been selling their products in McDonald Village Square as part of the farmers market.
Village officials hope the new market will be a draw for local families looking for fresh, locally produced foods.
Mayor Glenn Holmes said there have been produce, baked goods, meats, organic foods.
Holmes said the idea for a weekly farmers market came from the success of such markets in other communities such as Howland which has one each Saturday.
He said the market focuses on organic foods which is healthier for people. "We want to promote healthy living and family-oriented events," he said.
Holmes said the idea of the farmers market is to have a place where residents can get fresh, locally produced produced food and products, including vegetables, fruits and crafts.
In addition to produce there are also baked goods, jams, breads and non-food items such as organic soaps and candles.
"It is good for our residents to have a variety of fresh vegetables available to them, and it is good for local farmers that work hard to produce organic or near organic products to be able to sell their products locally," Holmes said. "We pride ourselves on being a healthy community and this is part of a holistic approach of good health."
Holmes is looking at the farmers market in Howland as a model for what he wants to see accomplished in McDonald. Howland's farmers market has grown from operating once or twice a month to something that is done weekly.
Holmes said McDonald's market is starting small. It also will have at least one Amish baker and a family selling crafts, including homemade candles.
He said participants in the market are both local and from throughout the county and other counties. "We have McDonald residents and others from as far away as Middlefield," Holmes said.
The Tuesday evening time was chosen so that people can attend after work.
Holmes, who has been at recent market with Tom Domitrovich, where residents could sample lamb, noted that many people arrive at the very beginning right at 4 p.m. while there are others who arrive after work.
Holmes said at a recent market the McDonald High School Band performed under the direction of new band teacher Eric Bagle. Andy Kunkel has performed on guitar at recent markets.
Holmes said the market will continue and not overlap with other fall events such the McDonald Lions Club Fall Festival in October.
" I've always felt having locally grown foods and produced crafts are good for a community," he said.