Vote now to determine the annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the U.S.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) and the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) recently kicked off the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, which includes $15,000 in prize money.

Since 2008, AFMC has highlighted the key role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff and volunteers that make markets possible.

The 15th annual AFMC runs from June 19 to Sept. 18 on markets.farmland.org. The event is designed to be a fun competition that helps farmers markets across the country earn national recognition and local prestige. Markets can join the celebration and encourage customers to vote.

In 2023, AFT has increased the total cash prizes to $15,000 and expanded the awards to cover the top five markets nationally (compared to the top three in past years). The breakdown of prize money is as follows: $5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth, $250 for fifth, and $100 to first in each state.

In addition to the prize money, the top markets also receive national and local press coverage, complimentary American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition memberships, I Love My Farmers Market stickers, No Farms No Food gear, a free one-year subscription to Farmers Market Metrics and other surprises.

AFMC also identifies the top markets in each state and in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and Pacific regions.

Overland Park Farmers Market in Kansas had the honor of being recognized as the No. 1 farmers market in the nation in 2022.

The AFMC database and interactive map on markets.farmland.org is one of the largest listings of farmers markets in the U.S., containing more than 7,000 entries. If you see a market listed that is no longer active, email [email protected] and ask to have it removed. 

Camp Canopy awards scholarships 

Eight scholarships were recently awarded to students pursuing a major within forestry, wildlife or environmental sciences for a total of $8,250 by the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation at the conclusion of its annual Camp Canopy.

Recipients include the following students: Addison Woerner (Nashport, Ohio) — $1,000, Ohio Forestry Association Foundation; Sierra Roy (Hubbard, Ohio) — $1,250, Ohio State University; Job Busic (Newark, Ohio) — $1,000, Ohio State University; Samuel Cox (Fayette, Ohio) — $1,000, Hocking College; Jacob Nelson (Steubenville, Ohio) — $1,000, Hocking College; John O’Donnell (North Canton, Ohio) — $1,000, Milligan Tree Farm; Gabriella Anzelmo (New Albany, Ohio) — $1,000, Milligan Tree Farm; and Zeva Sheets (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) — $1,000, North Eastern Ohio Forestry Association.

The Ohio Forestry Association Foundation hosts Camp Canopy each year to expose students to the career opportunities in the natural resources field; educate them in technical skills for forestry, wildlife and conservation; and help campers achieve their goals of higher education in a related field.

More than 50 industry professionals volunteered their time throughout the week to instruct the future foresters, wildlife specialists and conservationists of Ohio. Many of the instructors have been helping with camp for decades because of their passion and drive to engage the next generation.

Learn more at campcanopy.com. 

Lancaster Brewfest announces 10th anniversary event

The Lancaster Brewfest will celebrate its 10th anniversary Aug. 19, welcoming close to 1,500 craft beer enthusiasts to join in the celebration taking place along Broad Street in Lancaster, Ohio.

In historic downtown, the Lancaster Brewfest will showcase the craft breweries and cideries in Ohio.

This year’s event will feature more than two dozen craft beer artisans and cider aficionados who not only will be serving diverse products, but also will be on hand to discuss their passion with others.

The event will be from 3 to 9 p.m., with VIP access starting at 3 p.m. and general admission beginning at 5 p.m. In addition to craft beer tasting, visitors will enjoy live music, as well as food trucks by Hangry City, Bob’s Backyard BBQ, Rowdy Dawgs and more.

The ticketed event is limited. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to buy tickets, visit ohiobrewfest.com. Tickets also may be purchased at Double Edge Brewery or Ameristop Market in Lancaster.