COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Ohio farm markets that combine agricultural produce and agritourism will be the focus of Ohio State University Extension Direct Marketing Twilight Tours in August.
The events, sponsored by Ohio State Extension's Direct Marketing Team, the Ohio Direct Agriculture Marketing Association and Farm Markets of Ohio, are designed to educate growers and any interested parties about value-added opportunities in agriculture. The tours are free.
The first tour will be held on Aug. 11 at Maize Valley Farm Market in Hartville, Ohio. Maize Valley Farm Market produces fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses and other value-added items. The farm market also offers an array of "agritainment" activities, such as an 11-acre corn maze, Farm Fantasy day camps, a pumpkin cannon, a haunted maze and hot air balloon lift-offs.
The second tour will be held on Aug. 17 at Barn-n-Bunk Farm Market in Trenton, Ohio. The family-owned business provides a variety of foods and crafts, including fresh produce, Amish baked goods, cheese and jellies.
The business also houses an ice cream and candy shop and turn-of-the-century barns, and holds school tours, motorcoach tours and seasonal festivals.
Both tours will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will include refreshments, host farm overviews, farm market displays, tours and presentations by marketing experts across Ohio.
For more information on the tours, log on to http://directmarketing.osu.edu, or contact John Ellerman at (740) 289-2071 or e-mail ellerman.5@osu.edu. For more information on the host farm markets or to get directions, contact them directly: Maize Valley Farm Market at (330) 877-8344, and Barn-n-Bunk Farm Market at (513) 988-9211.