For many Ohioans, the arrival of spring is marked by the opening of their local farmer’s market, but for the residents of Waterford and visitors from greater Morrow County and beyond, the arrival of spring is marked by the opening of the Owl Creek Produce Auction.
The auction, which is held every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m., offers a variety of seasonal items, from vegetable plants and floral arrangements in the spring to pumpkins and mums in the fall. As the name suggests, fresh produce takes the spotlight, but often items like freshly baked goods and farm produced eggs make an appearance as well.
Located at 7385 County Road 22, the auction barn brings a flurry of activity to an otherwise quiet back road. Inside the barn the auctioneers swiftly elicit bids in a singsong voice, working through rows of items brought earlier in the morning by vendors—often local farmers.
Despite little to no marketing or advertisement, the auction has grown substantially in recent years. Not only does it offer a broader variety of items than ever, it also draws a larger crowd. Bidders, vendors and onlookers alike gather around the auctioneers. Some hope to make a profit by buying or selling, but many are drawn by the social aspect of the auction, perhaps hoping to pick up a few items for their families and catch up with the locals.
Jonas Raber, who has been working at the barn for eight of its 10-year-run, says the business plan hasn’t changed much over the years, citing the focus on produce as the main factor in the growth of the business.
When asked about present and future plans for the business, his answer is simple. “We’re progressing.”
For more information about auction times and offerings, follow Owl Creek’s blog at owlcreeknews.blogspot.com.
