New location set for farmers market

SANDUSKY — The Sandusky Farmers Market returns on Saturday, launching a new chapter as it relocates to Columbus Avenue in the heart of downtown Sandusky. Produced by the Greater Sandusky Partnership and presented by Firelands Health in partnership with the city of Sandusky, the market will continue every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 31. The move comes after several years of growth. What began as a modest community market has evolved into one of the city's most popular weekly gatherings, welcoming more than 150 unique vendors throughout the 2025 season. The market's continued expansion created a need for additional space and a more cohesive experience for vendors and customers. "We're grateful to the city of Sandusky for its partnership and for making Columbus Avenue available for the market," partnership CEO Eric Wobser said. "As the event continues to grow, this location offers the space needed to support vendors while strengthening connections between the market, downtown businesses and the broader community." The market's new home on Columbus Avenue will allow vendors to remain together in one connected location rather than being divided between Washington Row, the former location, and nearby park spaces. During market events, which will occur in the 100 and 200 blocks of Columbus Ave., vehicluar traffic won't be allowed to access this stretch. Commuters should expect to avoid the area from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through October. Vendors will also benefit from enhanced infrastructure, including access to electrical service and other amenities designed to improve the weekly setup experience. "The Sandusky Farmers Market serves as an important entry point for many small businesses and entrepreneurs who may not yet have a brick-and-mortar location," partnership events coordinator Rachael Summerfield said. "The market helps connect local producers, makers and growers directly with customers while increasing access to fresh food options in downtown Sandusky," Summerfield said. "We're proud to continue accepting SNAP benefits and creating a welcoming space where everyone can shop local, support small businesses and enjoy a vibrant community experience." A relocation also aligns with the city of Sandusky's recent investment in downtown infrastructure. In 2025, the city completed a $5 million streetscape transformation of Columbus Avenue. The Sandusky Farmers Market will help activate that investment by filling the corridor with farmers, makers, artists, flowers, food and community activity each Saturday morning throughout the summer. "The city of Sandusky's partnership and collaboration have been instrumental to the success of the farmers market and so many other community experiences," Wobser said. "From the farmers market to Party at the Pier and sunset celebrations, we are grateful for the city's commitment to creating vibrant public spaces and supporting programming that brings people together." Businesses impacted by the relocation were notified at the beginning of 2026 through email communications, merchant meetings and one-on-one conversations to ensure opportunities for feedback and discussion. Market visitors will continue to have access to convenient parking throughout downtown, including on East and West Washington rows, the Erie County Office Building's parking garage, the Jackson Street parking lot, the Shores & Islands Ohio lot and available on-street parking. Following the market's conclusion at noon, vendors are expected to complete cleanup efficiently with Columbus Avenue anticipated to reopen to vehicular traffic by approximately 12:30 p.m. People can follow the Sandusky Farmers Market at facebook.com/sanduskyfarmersmarket or contact the Greater Sandusky Partnership, at greatersandusky.com, for more information.