History

In 1987, with permission from City Manager, Dave Elder, the Worthington Farmers Market began. What started as a PhD dissertation project for two women in Sustainable Agriculture at The Ohio State University has become a year-round tradition in Worthington, Ohio. 

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According to market advocate and Worthington resident, Julie Weatherington-Rice, "...the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District was a very early supporter." 

Once established, the market was nurtured and managed by the local businesses, and from there, a business association, the Old Worthington Business Association (OWBA), which is known today as The Worthington Partnership. 

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The Worthington Farmers Market was managed by Jan Staats until 2009, when she passed. Today, it is managed by Christine Hawks, Karen Chrestay and a dedicated group of volunteers from the greater Columbus community.