Organizers map out changes for Copley farmers market

© Beacon Journal file photo/Akron Beacon Journal/Akron Beacon Journal/TNS Copley Circle would become the new home to the community's farmers market beginning this spring under a proposal presented last week to township officials. [Beacon Journal file photo]

COPLEY — The community's farmers market will have a new home this year and an aim to appeal to a younger foodie crowd, its organizers said.

Copley Circle will be the new venue, and market day will change from Thursday to Friday. A proposal laid out last week by manager Allison Chrien adds wine sales, entertainment and a food truck into the mix with fruit and vegetable stands. Chrien said she already has commitments from 10 vendors.

This year was supposed to be the market's last, its demise attributed in a statement by organizers last year to a lack of foot traffic.

The Copley Creekside Farmers Market began in 2012, with produce from area farms sold at about a dozen tables in a field off Cleveland-Massillon Road adjacent to Shisler's Cheese House. Over the years, crafts, jewelry, clothing and items like local cookies and honey entered into the mix.

Concerns that need to be addressed before the new season and venue are traffic, pedestrian safety, parking and obtaining a liquor license for wine sales. Chrien proposes a May 29 start, closing Aug. 14. Originally the farmers market ran from the end of May to the beginning of October, operating from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Police Chief Michael Mier pointed out that pedestrian safety and parking weren't as problematic in the previous spot, saying "it just seems it would run smoother if you keep it where it's at."

Chrien, however, said the new site and setup provide a better atmosphere.

The original location "just doesn't feel open and inviting like the circle does," she said.

Township trustees Scott Dressler, board president, and Jim Schulte agreed with Mier on parking and pedestrian safety. Schulte said he believes "people would like to see more activity at the circle," but added "parking and pedestrians is a big hurdle."

In addressing parking concerns, Chrien said she has spoken with a local CVS official about using some outer parking spaces at the store at state Route 162 and Cleveland-Massillon Road. She said she believes potential market customers would be able to adapt.

Lighting also would have to be worked out as well as whether township personnel would be needed to be brought in on overtime. The circle has lighting on all four quadrants, but no interior lighting.

Chrien said one possible remedy might be string lights similar to Christmas lights. She said she is still working with a music playlist, but said making the market's umbrella organization a nonprofit should facilitate obtaining a liquor license for wine sales.

"We're already behind on the schedule we'd like to be on," she said, but at Dressler's request agreed to return next week. Dressler said he needed time to talk with Trustee Bruce Koellner, who didn't attend last week's meeting, and with department heads.

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