Every year, for one sunny week in September, we stop to celebrate local agriculture at the Wayne County Fair. Sure, the fair offers fun rides, concerts, and plenty of food, but behind it all is the ongoing farming tradition that has brought meat, milk, and produce to our tables for generations.

When you visit the fair next week, be sure to take some time to wander through the various barns and see what our local farmers and gardeners have produced this year. You’ll find impressive examples of fruits and vegetables, home canning, and animal husbandry from the 4-H barns to the Grange building to the shows and sales. And don’t forget to enjoy the local ice cream while you wander around the fairgrounds!

The Wayne County Fair gives us one glorious week to celebrate this vibrant part of our local economy. But when you’ve had your fill of the fair, remember that you can continue to celebrate and support local farmers and local agriculture at Local Roots Market and Café. The market and café will be open throughout fair week, with the usual delicious variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, baked goods, and other locally produced foods. And the bounty of local food will continue throughout the year!

As a year-round market for locally-produced foods and other agricultural products, Local Roots Market is located at 140 S. Walnut St. in Wooster. The market is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Membership is not required to shop. To learn more about weekly news and events at the market, visit the website at www.localrootswooster.com and sign up for the newsletter.