Published January 9, 2025

2nd Street Market hosts free wellness programs, seasonal and cultural happenings

The 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., in downtown Dayton, offers winter programs each Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. including Wellness Fridays at the Market, Community Fitness, Tea Time and Coffee Talk. These free programs are hosted by a rotation of Market vendors and community partners.

A Five Rivers MetroParks facility, the Market features more than 50 small businesses that offer fresh, local food; pantry staples; hand-crafted items; and more.

“These winter programs make the Market a community hub for exploring wellness and what that means to individuals, whether it’s healthy eating or learning to relax,” said 2nd Street Market coordinator Sally Leatherman.

Programs through the end of March include:

The Market will also host Ask The Gardener programs on select Fridays, in addition to Story Time programs for children. Most programs are drop-in and do not require registration.

Because the 2nd Street Market is downtown Dayton’s destination to connect with local growers, it will host two CSA Fairs in January, one virtual and one in-person. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a way for individuals to support local farms directly, allowing consumers to get the freshest food available – all while helping the environment.

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The Virtual CSA Fair is on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and the CSA Fair at the Market is Sunday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While both events are free, space is limited for the Virtual CSA Fair and participation requires registration.

In honor of Black History Month, the 2nd Street Market invites the public to a variety of programs hosted by Black-owned small business vendors this February. Additionally, the Market will host local musicians, historical talks and more.

February’s Culture Kitchen event is on Thursday, Feb. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. and celebrates Valentine’s Day with a chocolate tasting of different varieties grown in Haiti. Registration is required for this special event.

A complete list of programs and events can be found at metroparks.org/localfood.

MetroParks Money

MetroParks Money is an e-gift card program of Five Rivers MetroParks that gives you the flexibility to support your favorite 2nd Street Market businesses and enjoy the outdoors.

MetroParks Money allows you to support Five Rivers MetroParks and the small businesses at the 2nd Street Market that provide jobs, tax dollars, contributions to our schools and nonprofits, as well as the character that makes Dayton unique. Purchase MetroParks Money at metroparks.org/money.

Equitable Eats

Most grower and grocer vendors and food-related businesses at the 2nd Street Market accept SNAP and Produce Perks benefits. Those who utilize SNAP/EBT can pick up SNAP and Produce Perks tokens at the exchange located at the East end of the Market.

Conservation Mission

By providing the community access to fresh, local food – which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment – the Market supports Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shoppers’ carbon footprint.

Learn more about the 2nd Street Market and sign up for its monthly email newsletter at metroparks.org/localfood.

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