Farmers', Artisans market Saturday

Fostoria's first Saturday Farmers' and Artisans' Market in downtown Fostoria is scheduled for this weekend. The market is slated for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday along Main Street, with Don Cochran of the Dye Real Estate and Land Company in Lima sponsoring and a theme of "Let's Go Gardening." Main Street between North and Center streets will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to accommodate the market. It's the second go-around for the market at its new location, which debuted two weeks ago on a Thursday night. Michele Cochran, community development/tourism director for the Fostoria Economic Development Corporation and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau, liked the vibe the new location created. "We've already seen the new market location creating more energy and foot traffic to our downtown businesses and attractions," she said. "We're very pleased with the number of positive comments we received during our first market regarding the new location on Main and North streets. There seemed to be such a festive feel in the air as shoppers explored the market and then continued on to visit other businesses in the downtown area. "We know there are other special activities in downtown Fostoria on Saturday that coincide with the market as well, including live music at Java's Enchanted Bean and a Fostoria Historical Society tag sale at The History Corner." Nearly 40 vendors are scheduled to be selling a variety of items, such as flower and vegetable plants, baked goods, soaps and lotions, candles, jewelry and other handcrafted items. Linda Rose, a naturalist with the Seneca County Park District, will present a free program, "A Seed is a Patient," at 10 a.m., at The Parkette, located the intersection of Main and North streets. The one-hour session will provide information about seed life cycles and worms, with supplies provided. Sponsor Don Cochran will give away complimentary flowering plans, crayons and activity booklets while supplies last.Also on hand will be representatives of Ohio State University's SNAP-ed program on nutrition.