Rogers Open Air Market in Rogers, Ohio

In the small Ohio town of Rogers with a population of less than 300 sits Rogers Open Air Market, which on a good week can draw up to 50,000 visitors in search of a bargain. Easily the largest facility of it's type in the tri-state area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Rogers Open Air Market attracts vendors and patrons from hundreds of miles away, and as anyone who has ever been there could tell you, the trip is a minor consideration when compared to the amazing deals to be had.

Founded by Emmet and Lucille Baer in the early 1950's as little more than a truck farm, Rogers Open Air Market has grown to become a large economic contributor in a mostly rural area with little commerce. In 1981 Jim Baer, son of the founders, began a building program that enabled Rogers Open Air Market to gain even more customers and vendors by constructing permanent buildings and pavilions to allow transactions in harsh weather conditions year round.

The physical facility of Rogers Open Air Market encompasses over 5 miles of outdoor vendor space along with 70 acres of free parking. Located on Ohio State Route 154, the Rogers open air market is so large that many patrons rent scooters to enable visitation of the entire market. With over 1,600 vendors on an average day, it is nearly impossible to walk and view the wares of all.

The big day at Rogers Open Air Market is on Friday when the hours of operation are from 7:30 AM to about 10 PM. Vendors sell just about every new and used item imaginable from housewares and collectibles to tools and sporting goods. Also on Friday's there is a regular live auction of antiques, tools, produce and even some small livestock.

On the first Tuesday of each month at Rogers Open Air Market a farm machinery consignment auction is held, and every Wednesday is home to a hay and grain auction that is highly anticipated by local farmers and fun to watch.

From a personal perspective of an individual that has been to Rogers Open Air Market over 20 times, they are a few preparations that can be taken to maximize the enjoyment of the outing. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and stay together as a group with the people accompanying you as an individual separated from their companions may have a long search in finding them. It is most important to remember that because of the size of Rogers Open Air Market that by arriving early you will get a parking spot closer to the vendors area, and thereby shorten the distance that purchases are carried.