Travel down Athens, Ohio’s East State Street and a driver’s bound to see a 40-year-old community tradition, The Athens Farmer’s Market, engulfing an open parking lot. Vendor tents and vehicles of all kinds create a festival-like atmosphere, while Athenians and out-of-towners busily shop.

According to the Athens Farmer’s Market, In the early 1970s farmers were selling their produce at metered spots uptown, and residents and city officials knew there was a need for a community market. When the market began in 1972 on a summer day in the East State Street city park, only three vendors showed up. Popularity among vendors eventually increased and the market relocated in 1998 to its current location. Today, there is even a waiting list for vendors to sell at the market.  

Jay Proffitt of Proffitt Farms remembers his father’s part in the market’s early 1970s beginnings. With such roots in the market the Proffitt family, which sells summer and winter vegetables, wine berries, gourds, and cut flowers, continues to keep the Athens Farmer’s market a family tradition.

“My grandkids help me sell, so we are on the fourth generation so far,” Jay says.

Jay says that the customers are the ones that really love the community aspect of the market, just as it was 40 years ago. He says that many of his customers are at the market every week.

“We get to know our customers,” Jay says. “If they aren’t here, you think they're sick.”

The Athens Farmer’s Market occurs Wednesdays, April through December, and Saturdays year-round. It’s opened both days 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1000 East State Street.

Photo Taken by Alisa Caton