FUN FOR ALL AGES — Tricia Truax of Belly Dancing Passion Fitness led several children in trying hula hooping as part of the luau theme for this week’s Wednesdays in Wintersville street fair. It’s one of many activities organizers have planned for each month’s event to get residents of all ages involved. -- Warren Scott

WINTERSVILLE — Area farmers and other vendors had a chance to warm up, literally and figuratively, when the Farmers’ Gateway Market returned Wednesday for 2025.

Held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday through October, the market offers an assortment of produce, flowers and other plants as well as baked goods and other home-made products through the summer season.

Aaron Dodds, project manager for the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, which organizes it, said, “We have more vendors this year, but we’re always looking for more.”

He noted at least 90 percent of each vendor’s merchandise must be produced locally.

Dodds noted in addition to selling various fruits and vegetables, as they are harvested locally, vendors also offer breads and other baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soaps, salves and lip balms made from goat’s milk and other natural materials.

THE MARKET IS BACK — The Farmers’ Gateway Market returned on Wednesday to the lot in front of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, which also is occupied by assorted food trucks during Wednesday in Wintersville, a monthly street fair held along Main Street. A variety of vendors will be found at the market as it continues from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday through October at the site. -- Warren Scott

Those interested in selling at the market should call Wendee Dodds, the district’s administrator, at (740) 264-9790.

Among vendors on hand Wednesday was Wally Sadowski, owner of Kolb Orchard in Hammondsville.

A retired carpenter, Sadowski said he and his wife take pride in offering produce that has been raised without chemical pesticides or herbicides.

“We don’t use any harsh chemicals. It’s all natural,” he said, adding while that may mean a fruit or vegetable is not as attractive, their customers can take comfort in knowing it is all natural.

Sadowski said by using high tunnels, short greenhouse-like structures, they were able to plant 1,200 tomato plants in February.

He brought several of the plants to sell at the market on Wednesday while adding he expects the tomatoes themselves to be available in a few weeks.

Also on the way are cucumbers, six kinds of peppers, cabbage, broccoli and later in the summer, cantaloupe and watermelon.

Under another tent was Janet Maxon of Kneading Bread by Janet, who sells 30 varieties of bread, both savory and sweet, made in her Wintersville kitchen.

“I pride myself in doing everything by hand and from scratch,” she said.

A teacher at Indian Creek High School, Maxon said the endeavor supplements her income while also being something she’s enjoyed doing for many years.

She also expressed gratitude to her husband and children, who help her set up and take down her booth.

Maxon said her repertoire of breads increased during the pandemic and ranges from roasted garlic Parmesan and bacon cheddar chive to raspberry lemon and triple chocolate.

Maxon said the most popular may be her cheesy pizza bread, which includes a tomato-based dough, Italian seasonings like basil and oregano and garlic butter.

She has sold her bread at various venues but is a regular at the market, finding it to be a good avenue for sales.

While the farmers market is held each Wednesday through the summer, it coincides on the first Wednesday of each month with Wednesdays in Wintersville, a street fair held to bring attention to businesses along Main Street.

During the fair, food trucks selling everything from lobster to tacos also can be found in front of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

The event also includes live entertainment, with the Steel Cassa steel drum band serving as this week’s musical guest, and things for people of all ages to see and do.

This week, Tricia Truax of Belly Dancing Passion Fitness, led children in using hula hoops in front of Wintersville Methodist Church’s Center for Hope in keeping with this month’s luau theme.

The lot is the scene each month of food and activities for children supplied by local churches and amusement companies. On Wednesday, many youth enjoyed playing in soap suds piped onto it by Screwy Louie’s Party Rentals.

Inside the hall was a display of Hawaiian shirts and flowered dresses lent by area residents and a pineapple upside cake baking contest.

There also was a classic car show in front of First National Bank.

Joel John, who heads the volunteer committee behind Wednesdays in Wintersville, said the group tries to offer something to appeal to a wide range of age groups.

“It’s amazing how far it’s gone,” he said.

The theme for next month’s fair, to be held July 2, will be “Red, White and Berry.” Area residents are invited to loan items inspired by the U.S. flag for display in front and inside his shop then because Wintersville Methodist Church will be using its hall for its vacation Bible school program.

There also will be a baking contest for pies made with various berries at a location to be announced.

For information about the contest, call Monica Pendleton of Cake Roll Creations at (740) 424-9679.