HAMILTON, Ohio—The Hamilton Historic Farmers’ Market was voted the Best in Butler County in a contest sponsored by the Journal-News and the Butler County Visitors Bureau.

That also caught the attention of local State Reps. Wes Retherford, (R-51st District), Timothy Derickson (R-52nd district) and Margaret Conditt (R-53rd District) who issued a proclamation of recognition for the market. It was presented to Jenni Hubbard, market manager, at a city council meeting.

“We wanted to bring honor and recognition to this because that’s something to be proud of,” Retherford said. “I love the farmers’ market. It is a really cool thing to see that they won that award.”

The market dates back to 1875, said Hubbard, now in her second year as manager. It has always been by the Butler County Courthouse, with vendors setting up all around the square. The market’s theme is “make it, bake it or grow it.”

Families who grow herbs and produce in their Hamilton backyards offer them for sale at the market. Crafters sell handmade jewelry and other items. Vendors include people such as Gary Dittman, Donny Scheibert and Browns’ Family Farm, who have been setting up stands in some cases for generations.

“My grandfather was coming to the market with horse and wagon prior to the 1920s,” Dittman said. “My mother and father came in the ’40s and I started coming when I was six years old. We had problems with the city managers in the 1960s and ’70s and that is what hurt our market. Even the police chief would ticket vehicles if we didn’t leave at one (in the afternoon).”

Now, the mayor, city management and Historic Hamilton, Inc. do what they can to help the market – and it is prospering, Dittman said. Most of the vendors’ spots are taken. Hubbard, who markets artisan breads, muffins, pastries, cookies and other baked goods from her booth at the market, was successful enough there that she opened her own business, The Almond Sisters Bakery. “If it wasn’t for the farmers’ market I don’t think I would be where I am today,” she said. “I have my own shop now and it is because the community supported me. The farmers’ market has been a great outlet for me.”

The market also features Market Buddies by Chrystal Green, which offers free crafts for kids from 9 a.m.-noon. Attendees can stretch and relax at the free yoga class on the lawn at 9:30; the instructor brings mats. Free music is provided by local musicians.

“People stay, they sit, they enjoy the music,” Hubbard said. “It’s not just come and look around and leave; it is a whole morning, early-afternoon event.”