Northern Kentucky Farmers Market brings fresh produce and fun atmosphere to MainStrasse

The Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market is another one of those great spots around town to grab fresh produce and some good conversation.  Located on the median at Sixth and Main streets in Covington, the market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm through October.

The market is situated perfectly within Covington's MainStrasse Village and offers a wide variety of fresh produce including lettuce, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, red beets, tomatoes, green peppers, green beans, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, cucumbers, onions, herbs, corn, melons, blackberries and other greens.

Vendors reportedly do great business with approximately 100 visitors each week.  "They sell most of their products and have had to increase the amount of inventory they bring to market each week," says Rebecca Volpe who helps oversee the market for the City of Covington.

Vendors sell their products on the shady Sixth Street promenade in a tailgate-style market.  Farmers and other producers from 11 Northern Kentucky counties, including Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Mason, Owen, Pendleton and Robertson, are all invited to sell their goods at the market.

The Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market also offers a variety of value added products including salsas, herb vinegars, mustards, meat rubs and marinades, jams and jellies, and even gelato.  Spices, honey, soaps, lotions and other hand crafted items are also available in addition to a variety of plants, shrubs and grasses for sale.

Volpe notes that the City of Covington is currently working on a permanent location for the farmers market.  The new location would be called Times Star Commons and would best be described as "Fountain Square meets Findlay Market."

The Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market also has live music during special events, and a number of shops in MainStrasse Village display original artwork as part of Covington's Arts District network.

On Saturday, October 31 the farmers market will host a Harvest Festival from 8am to 2pm and will offer lots of family friendly activities with live music.  Free parking is available nearby.  For more information contact Leah Dodson with the City of Covington at (859) 292-2163.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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