Thursday, July 15, 1999
Farmers' mart proposed for Cheviot
BY LEW MOORES
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CHEVIOT — The way some envision it, a parking lot in the center of the town would be transformed into a one-day farmers' market, a cornucopia of backyard produce and baked goods that would both promote the city's business district and allow neighbors to get to know one another better.
There are no set plans yet for what some council members see as a farmers' market held once or twice a year, but some would like to see the idea take off.
Councilman Mike Mestemaker, co-chair of council's building committee, came up with the idea, and he would like to see it implemented by September.
“We would hope to attract local farmers, local people, the type who are on the curb side where they have their corn and their produce,” said Mr. Mestemaker. “The main reason we're doing it is to promote our business district.”
Mr. Mestemaker has enlisted the support of some other council members, who have taken up the proposal with some enthusiasm.
But council will need to approve of the idea if a nominal fee is charged to vendors to set up their booths in a municipal parking lot in the business district. The money could be used to defray the cost of cleanup and security for the event.
Mr. Mestemaker said he plans on bringing it up to council at its Aug. 3 meeting. He would like to see the market event take place on a Saturday in mid-September.
Councilwoman Kathleen Zech likes the idea.
“We haven't gotten that far into it; we're really in the beginning stages,” said Ms. Zech. “But we're kind of looking forward to it. He's trying to promote the business district and bring more people into Cheviot to show off what we've got here. He's a real go-getter. And there's a lot of people in Cheviot who have small gardens, and it would be a good way for them to meet their neighbors.”
Mr. Mestemaker said he and the other promoters wanted to hold a farmers' market at a municipal lot — the lot at Harrison and Glenmore avenues would be ideal, he said — in July but realized the logistics would take more time.
“We need to do a more thorough job of promoting it,” said Mr. Mestemaker.
He said anyone wanting more information on participating can leave word for him at City Hall, 661-2700.
Ms. Zech said she and her family would participate in a farmers' market. They grow tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, herbs, corn, okra and melons in their back yard.
Indeed, she said, come September, families with backyard gardens of any size often find themselves with a surplus of produce.
“By September you hit full bounty,” said Ms. Zech. “...But you can only freeze so much, give away so much, feed your family so much.”
So a farmers' market would make sense, she said.
“It would be a wonderful way for people to get the extras out of their gardens...,” she said. “It would benefit Cheviot.”
True vacation is a chance to ignore real life
Opposition sprouts along light-rail route
FIVE STEPS TO LIGHT RAIL
Bisexual officer says bias led to demotion
Boy's big breast outside insurance policy
Day care is cautious after great toy truck escape
Ind. county sees casino's new era
Weekend traffic starting earlier
A Dummy's Guide to Dummies
Firm selected to fix fountain
Sidney suspect's tales of cult attacks doubted
Ex-cop draws prison in sex case
Ohio to add Pick 3, Pick 4 in afternoon
Rabbit population chomps gardens
Trailing in race, Kasich calls it quits
Videomakers get last laugh on council
GOP leader's leaving is big chance
Magic in the air at downtown's Omni
Area girls plan health conference for 2000
GET TO IT
Anglers cast lines for 'Big Bud'
Citizens panel to review Middletown charter
Court ruling protects state employees
Dispatch fees expected to rise without merger
Downtown parking on street more costly
Farmers' mart proposed for Cheviot
Fernald cleanup leaders want public involvement
GOP leaders question state contracts awarded
Judge delays decision on pawn shop robbers
Montgomery stormed for Bastille Day
More city workers learn to fight terror attacks
Schools face deadline for levies
Suicide ends long standoff
Three seats open on school board
TRISTATE DIGEST
