Farmers markets cropping up for another season
Area farmers markets are making their return, a sure sign that summer is just around the corner in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties.
The Connellsville Farmers Market has a new location this year at Yough River Park.
The schedule is 5 to 8 p.m. June 6 and 20; July 18, Aug, 1, 15 and 29; Sept. 12 and 26, and Oct. 3, as well as 8 to 11 a.m. July 4.
This marks the second year that the Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce is handling the market, which took place at the East Side Fire Station in recent years. However, the fire station is being used by city emergency personnel due to the closure of Crawford Avenue Bridge for a rehabilitation project.
“With that being used by them, it was just easier for us to move,” said Brooke Deason, chamber of commerce manager. “We’re excited for the park this year. Not only will you have the people who come to the farmers market, but you’ll also have your trail traffic and people that are already down there using the park.”
Produce, meat and crafts from local vendors will be among the items available. There will be a different food truck at each market. The schedule for food trucks can be found on the Connellsville Farmers Market Facebook Page.
Another highlight will be market bucks.
“We give away $50 in market bucks at every market,” Deason said. “The first 10 people that come receive $5 in market bucks that they can spend with any vendor.”
The June 20 market also will feature the return of Kids Fest for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Lions Club used to do Kids Fest in Connellsville,” Deason said. “Since we already have the location we’re going to bring it back.”
There are other activities set up throughout the year, including canning workshops in August and seed-saving workshops in September.
Among other markets in the area:
Fayette County
Uniontown Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday from May 25 to Sept. 28 at Bailey Park in the parking lot along Pennsylvania Avenue. Featured are produce, flowers, baked goods and crafts.
Greene County
Waynesburg Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday from May 15 to mid-October in the heart of downtown on Church Street, next to the Greene County Courthouse. One of the features is a hot lunch, allowing downtown employees to shop during their lunch hour. Eight regular vendors return with locally grown produce, as well as baked goods, meats, eggs and wine.
Washington County
The Main Street Farmers Market in Washington: 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 31. Each of last year’s vendors will be returning, as well as some new ones. Various musical acts also will be featured throughout the season, plus special events such as First Responder Day, Future Farmers of America Day, Back to School celebration, Vet Appreciation Day, and a Fall/Halloween Party.
Canonsburg Farmers Market/Food Truck event: 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday beginning June 4 and running through Sept. 10 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 317 W. Pike St. As of May 11, more vendors were being sought.
Monongahela Farmers Market: 3 to 6 p.m. on Fridays beginning June 7 and running through Aug. 31 at Chess Park. Live bands will perform at 4 p.m. each Friday and include entertainment for kids and adults, such as a magic show and Levona the Balloon Lady.
McDonald Trail Station Farm Market: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, beginning July 6 and running through mid-September at 161 S. McDonald St., the intersection of Panhandle Trail and South McDonald Street.