Renick’s Family Market has been open since 1959, but Wednesday marks the final time the Pickaway County farm will close its doors.
Owners Linda and David Renick run the market. David's family moved to Ashville in the late 1700s, and the property has been used for farming ever since.
For 59 years, it was a spot for people of all ages to come pick pumpkins and enjoy corn roasts.
“We do bands on the weekend in October and have a food court,” Linda says. “We have free face painting for the kids. We added the bakery.”
But now, Linda says they are ready to retire.
“We're both 70. And I told my husband, in 10 years we're gonna be 80,” Linda Renick says. “Are we gonna be able to do the things we wanted to do when we were 70?”
The Renicks want to visit their grandchildren more and focus on a weekly Bible study they host in their home. David was ordained as a minister in the Full Gospel Evangelistic Association this fall and wants to spend more time doing ministry.
Marnee Sprague is a regular customer who lives in Ashville.
“My girls graduated from Teays Valley (Local Schools) and they're both at Ohio State," Sprague says. "And they said, 'Mom, please. Bring us slushies because today is the last day.'”
Sprague was surprised to learn the store is closing permanently.
“I'm really really going to miss this place,” Sprague says. “It's a true heirloom of Pickaway County.”
