Farmers markets sprouting up
Farmers markets kicking off in region
As the weather turns warmer, farmers markets are starting to sprout up across the region.
With reusable totes in hand, shoppers can visit plenty of markets throughout summer into fall in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.
The Main Street Farmers Market will kick off in Washington on May 21, and will run each Thursday through Oct. 29.
“I think it’s going to be a good year. We’re very excited to get started,” said Tracee Malik, president of the market’s board of directors.
The farmers markets – including Main Street Farmers Market, now in its 22nd year – offer access to locally grown seasonal produce, meat and poultry, breads, hot foods and snacks.
Those who attend the Main Street market can expect to see returning vendors such as Simmons Farm, Swope’s Berries and Bees, Rustic Rock Maple, and Mediterra Bakehouse, and new vendors including Eighty-Four Microgreens.
Musical entertainment – a staple of the Main Street Farmers Market – is lined up for the season, with Washington musician Dan Baker providing music on May 21, and the Washington High School Steel Drum Band and Trinity High School Choir tapped to perform in the following weeks. Additional speakers will enable visitors to hear the entertainment throughout the market.
On the third Thursdays during the farmers market, a craft market will be held at the corner of Chestnut and Main streets.
In Greene County, the Waynesburg Farmers Market returns on Wednesdays, and this year a second farmers market will launch in the county. The Carmichaels Farmers market will be held on Thursday afternoons.
“The neat thing about it is that (Carmichaels) will be an evening event, while the Waynesburg Farmers Market is a morning, daytime event,” said Melody Longstreth, executive director of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.
This year, the Waynesburg market will hold a monthly market giveaway basket, and at a June farmers market event, county fair queens and princesses will hand out free ice cream to celebrate Dairy Month.
Vendors there include Bliss Hollow Farms Lavender, Dyers Fork Farm, Pursley Creek Farms, and Mimi’s Creations.
Longstreth said food trucks will be available at both Greene County farmers markets.
In Fayette County, the Uniontown Farmers Market this year will be preceded by a Gather and Grow fitness series, featuring hour-long fitness classes on Saturdays at 8 a.m., before the farmers market gets underway at 9.
Kelly Trott, parks and recreation board member, said the classes “emphasize the health and wellness aspect of farmers markets.”
She noted the market is located along the Sheepskin Trail, and visitors are encouraged to walk or bike to the farmers market when using the trail.
It is the fourth season the Uniontown Farmers Market has been held at the trail, “and it’s definitely gaining traction in this location,” said Trott.
Organizers say the farmers markets bring more than fresh produce and foot traffic to the region.
“You really are supporting your local and state economy when you shop at the farmers market,” said Longstreth, noting the produce and goods at the Waynesburg market are sourced, produced, or manufactured from Pennsylvania. “People want to know where their produce and other goods are coming from.”
Malik pointed out Pennsylvania SNAP recipients can use their benefits and special vouchers at many farmers’ markets, including the Main Street Farmers Market.
Trott said farmers markets help build a sense of community.
“My favorite aspect is the social, community-building part of it. But on top of that, we’re supporting our local farmers and making these agricultural products and other items available to our residents, we’re incubating small business, and we’re making that connection to ‘support local more,'” said Trott. “We’re helping to try to better build the local economy. And, it’s just fun. We see people coming from different ages, kids are playing while people are shopping, people are taking a walk. It’s kind of a place for everybody.”
Market schedule
Washington County
Main Street Farmers Market, 139 S. Main St., Washington: Thursdays, beginning May 21, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Canonsburg Farmers Market, 317 W. Pike St., Canonsburg: Tuesdays, beginning June 9, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Peters Township Market in the Park at Peterswood Park, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia; Wednesdays, beginning May 27, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Monongahela Farmers Market, Chess Park, Main and Seventh streets: Fridays, beginning June 5, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Greene County
Waynesburg Farmer Market, intersection of High and Morris streets: Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Carmichaels Farmers Market, 422 Route 88, Carmichaels: the first Tuesday of the month beginning June 2.
Fayette County
Uniontown Farmers Market at Bailey Park: Saturdays, beginning May 30, from 9 a.m. to noon
Connellsville Farmers Market, 200 N. Arch St.: Thursdays, beginning June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Mountain Area Farmers Market at Farmington Fire Department, 119 Elliotsville Rd., Farmington: Most Fridays, beginning May 22, from 4 to 8 p.m.