Uniontown Parks and Recreation hosts farmers market this season
Over the past several years, changes have been taking place in Uniontown.
The city’s Parks and Recreation board was reinstated, and the farmers market moved from Friday evenings downtown to Bailey Park on Saturday mornings.
The excitement surrounding the market and Uniontown pride are growing as the summer weekends slowly tick by.
Volunteer Kelly Trott said the market started the summer with 20 vendors and that number keeps growing.
“We have dedicated farm items, produce, baked goods and homemade artisan products,” Trott said. “Hosting the morning at Bailey Park is great because the location offers the park playground, Sheepskin Trail and all sorts of things for the entire family to enjoy.”
Specialty vendors offer meat, milk, cheese, butter, honey, breads and teas.
Each Saturday morning, visitors can expect a coffee truck and several food trucks.
“Vendors are doing well, and people can’t believe this is happening in Uniontown,” Trott said. “It’s redefining what’s possible here.”
Trott said the market checks so many boxes. It’s a social event for residents, supports a healthy lifestyle and recognizes the valuable contribution agriculture provides.
“This is a place that cuts out the middleman. It’s good for our environment because there’s not packaging or traveling. The food is in-season and high in nutrients,” Trott said. “It’s incubating small businesses and is a great place to test the waters for those new business owners.”
She’s even watching the vendors collaborate among themselves. The food truck owners are purchasing pickles from the pickle vendor, and the coffee truck vendor is purchasing sourdough from the bread vendor.
The South Union Township rec center across the street has opened up its parking lot and public restrooms for visitors, and people are creating a new Saturday morning tradition.
“The big picture is building a strong social fabric. We’re connecting the community, and as the (Sheepskin) trail continues to expand, it’s becoming a trailside attraction,” Trott said. “We’re seeing shoppers and strollers and bikes, and all ages are hanging out in the park throughout the event.”
The Farmers Market is held from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday. The last day for the market is Sept. 28.
Until then, they are still accepting vendor applications at https://uniontowncity.com/parks-and-rec-department/.
Vendor fees are waived for the 2024 market but as it continues to grow, Trott anticipates a higher demand and a selection process.
“We’re still taking (vendors) but also starting some waiting lists. We want to make sure that we don’t have multiple vendors with the same product but I always encourage people to apply. It’s been a big learning curve this year, and the process is still being refined,” Trott said.
She also thanked the city council for allowing and supporting the farmers market and offered a reminder to visitors that each week is a new experience.
“The produce changes seasonally so we’re in tomatoes and sweet corn now but soon, we’ll have squash and pumpkins,” Trott said. “It’s really becoming a shining point in our life here. It’s transforming our city and I can’t think of a more impactful project to get involved in.”
Follow the Uniontown Farmers Market on Facebook for additional information.