MOUNT VERNON – The Mount Vernon Farmers Market begins the 2026 season May 2 on Public Square from 9 a.m. to noon.
Now in its 23rd year, the market brings together local farmers, bakers, vendors and musicians to offer one of the most popular weekend destinations in Knox County. The market is held each Saturday, May through October, rain or shine.
To get healthy or try new fruits and vegetables, the market is the place to go. Early season offerings include asparagus, rhubarb, lettuce, and garlic scapes. Later in the year strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, mushrooms and sweet corn take center stage.
All produce sold at the market is grown within 50 miles of Public Square.
All produce vendors are required to take Good Agricultural Practices training offered by OSU Extension Educator Sabrina Schirtzinger. This training ensures that all fruits and vegetables are grown and handled in compliance with food safety regulations set by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Shoppers will find a variety of items from locally roasted coffee to baked goods and treats including sourdough bread, nut brittle, cookies, pies, and cinnamon rolls. Raw honey, flavored honey and maple syrup are quite popular as well. A new vendor will offer knife sharpening this year.
Everyone is invited to experience what the market has to offer, and that is why several incentives are in place to make shopping available to those at all income levels including:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program )
- Produce Perks
- Fruit & Vegetable Program from Produce Perks
- Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Nutrition Program
- Knox County Task Force for Older Adults Eat Fresh, Eat Local program
- Produce Rx offered by Knox Community Health Center
Other entertainment and activities
Local artists provide market music on several Saturdays throughout the season. Musicians include:
- Desmond McLennon May 23
- Side Effects June 6
- Mary Miller June 20
- Echo on June 27
Market music will continue throughout the season.
Representatives from Knox County Safe Communities will promote the annual Click or Ticket seatbelt safety campaign at the market May 16. Law enforcement officers from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department and State Highway Patrol will be on hand.
Community businesses or organizations who wish to set up booths at the market can do so for a fee to promote their business, distribute swag or visit with customers. No political or religious groups are permitted at the market. Contact the market coordinator for more information.
Fredericktown resident Deva Geiger has been named market coordinator for 2026. Geiger is a small-business owner with an interest in holistic health and marketing.
Questions can be directed to Geiger at Farmersmarketmountvernon@gmail.com.
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