On Thursday evening, flocks of people descended on the Orrville Farmer’s Market to enjoy a dinner of local fare and the cool sounds of singer-songwriter Trey Rowell.

According to Judy McKinnon, one of the owners of the farmer’s market, the event was the market’s first foray into hosting a dinner, taking a chance on expanding beyond the usual breakfast and lunch offerings.

“They’ve gotten a taste of what we can do before,” McKinnon said, noting that all 120 available spaces had been purchased for the event. “We sold out several days ago.”

Sweetheart diners were able to choose between a ribeye steak and bacon-wrapped chicken, most opting for the steak, with a farm-fresh tossed salad, roasted red skin potatoes in parsley butter sauce, seasoned green beans and yeast rolls from Rachel’s Bakery on the side.

For dessert, the market offered a choice between strawberry cheesecake or red velvet cake.

The country-folk stylings of Rowell, a radio disc jockey from Thomasville with a handful of awards under his belt, added a welcomed flair to scent of fresh foods being cooked and served in the tranquil, brick room.

The Orrville Farmer’s Market launched three years ago as a local embodiment of the “farm to fork” movement, which puts fresh produce from the farm directly in the hands of consumers.

“We’re kind of like the middle people between the farmers and the consumers,” McKinney said. “The whole ‘farm to fork’ movement is huge. We’re glad to be in this position.”

While the local market is integral in providing fresh produce to residents in Dallas County, it has also been a boon for area farmers who now have direct access to people looking to buy local.

“It’s just the coolest opportunity in this area,” McKinney said. “It’s really helped a lot of farmers make ends meet.”

The Orrville Farmer’s Market, located on Main Street in Orrville, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, visit the market’s page on Facebook or send an email to farmersmarket@centurytel.net.