This year will mark the fourth consecutive summer that downtown New Carlisle has come alive with nearly two dozen hometown vendors selling homemade and home-grown goods. Beginning June 18, Main Street will be the site of the city's farmers market festivities each Saturday until mid-September, with a special theme most weeks.

Market visitors will notice some familiar faces behind the vendor booths this year, as well as some new additions. "Farmer" John McWilliams, who has become a market favorite with his hand-crafted novelty jams and jellies, will return once more, as will Kerr Family Farms. New additions to the vendor variety this year are the H.A.R.D. Acre Farm and Three Princesses Jewelry.

In addition to browsing unique and locally-made items, visitors can also experience live music. Marianne Kesler is set to perform on opening day, and other ensembles such as SilverGrass, Colin Richards, and Gates of Praise are set to play throughout the market season. Local authors will also make appearances selling and signing their books as well.

The market will also accept SNAP and WIC benefits for qualifying products, and the market committee extended a special thanks to Sarah Dahlinghaus of the Clark County Combined Health District for being instrumental in establishing that program. Scott Griffith of the market committee said that Dahlinghaus has "donated time and money toward getting the market to offer healthy choices for our community."

Continuing the healthy-living concept, the second week of the farmers market will feature a "Welcome to Wellville" theme, complete with a mini health fair and a 1.5 mile walk planned through town.

Griffith asserted that the New Carlisle Farmers Market would not be possible without the generous support from the local business community, including 20 community vendors. He also thanked Luke Putterbaugh of Bright Now Signs for installing the "gateway" market signs on Routes 235 and 571, as well as New Carlisle City Manager Randy Bridge for "helping make the market a success."

The market's opening day coincides with the city-wide community garage sale on June 18, which the market committee hopes will maximize exposure and profitability for both those having garage sales and market vendors alike. Tracy Tackett from Springfield's Sip&Dipity will also be on-hand opening day with mason jar painting to benefit the New Carlisle Library.

The New Carlisle News will run updates on the market each week through the summer.