Council recommends moving Art on the Green back downtown; farmers market logistics remain an issue

Hudson, Ohio — City staff and Art on the Green organizers presented a plan June 17 to relocate the 2026 Art on the Green festival from Joann’s back to the downtown greens. The proposed downtown layout would use the Clock Tower Gazebo, Park Lane, Merino and First & Main greens and accommodate roughly 150–172 ten‑by‑ten vendor tents.

Jenna, the city staff lead on the proposal, said staff examined multiple sites and vetted logistics including ADA access, electric pedestals, road closures, police and fire support, and vendor layout. ‘‘We can make the event work downtown,’’ she said. Councilors responded positively overall, noting downtown benefits for merchants and visitor traffic.

The primary logistical issue is displacement of the weekly farmers market (about 55 booths). Staff and organizers proposed alternatives: extend the farmers market season by a week, hold a night market on a different evening that week, or temporarily relocate the farmers market to another green if power needs can be met. Staff noted the South/Southeast Green lacks the required electrical capacity for the farmers market without additional infrastructure.

Organizers said the downtown greens would likely require a cap on vendors to sustain layout and tree preservation over time and proposed a joint press release once council confirms a recommendation. Council encouraged staff to coordinate with the Farmers Market, HIP and local merchants to minimize economic disruption.