Buying local: Farmers markets ramping up across region
As the weather starts to heat up, farmers markets will soon be back up and running across the region.
There will be markets operating throughout the summer into the fall in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.
The Main Street Farmers Market will kick off in Washington on May 22, and will run each Thursday through October from 3 to 6 p.m.
“The most exciting thing for me is to see all of the people that come out from town. It’s almost like they come out of their winter hibernation,” said Tracee Malik, president of the market’s board of directors.
This will be the 21st year of the Main Street Farmers Market. Those who attend can expect to see returning vendors such as Mediterra Bread, Simmons Farm and Swope’s Berries and Bees.
According to Malik, new vendors this year will include Early Bird Coffee Truck, Mia Cucina Pasta and Red Garlic.
For Malik, a Washington native, it is heartening to see the annual market bring people into the city and patronize local businesses.
“I just love to see our city thrive,” Malik said.
Live music is also a staple of the Main Street Farmers Market. Washington musician Dan Baker will perform at the first market this week. According to Malik, their performers often bring in people from outside Washington to the market.
“A lot of times people follow a certain singer, or a certain band, they come in from out town just to see that particular musician,” Malik said.
In Greene County, the Waynesburg Farmers Market opened for the first time this season last Wednesday.
The Waynesburg market will continue each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the intersection of High Street and Morris Street through mid-October.
“We had 150 people through so far,” said Scott Hackenburg, the market manager, during market hours on Wednesday.
The Greene County Chamber of Commerce presents the Waynesburg Farmers Market, which has been operating since 2001.
Vendors at Waynesburg Farmers Market include Blissful Glow Candle Co., Bliss Hollow Farms Lavender, Dyers Fork Farm, Harden Family Farm and Pursley Creek Farm.
Hackenburg said he is hoping they will be able to start a Saturday market in June, at a to-be-determined location.
“If you have a job, it’s harder to get to this particular market. This is set up for the downtown offices,” Hackenburg said.
Fayette County markets include the Connellsville Farmers Market, which is put on annually by the Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce. The Connellsville market begins June 5 and will continue from 5 p to 8 p.m. every Thursday through June at the fire station at 200 N. Arch St.. The market will also be open Aug. 7 and 21.
Brooke Deason, manager of the chamber, said they will give out five “market bucks” to the first 10 guests. The “market bucks” can be used at the various vendors at Connellsville Farmers Market.
“It really does tend to be the produce that brings everyone out,” Deason said.
Farmers markets
Washington County
Main Street Farmers Market at 139 S. Main St., Washington: Thursdays, beginning May 22, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Canonsburg Farmers Market at 317 W. Pike St., Canonsburg: Tuesdays, beginning May 27, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Peters Township Farmers Market at Peterswood Park: Wednesdays, beginning June 11, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Monongahela Farmers Market at 142 W. Main St.: Fridays, beginning June 13, from 3 to 6:30 p.m.
Greene County
Waynesburg Farmer Market at the intersection of High Street and Morris Street: Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fayette County
Uniontown Farmers Market at Bailey Park: Saturdays, beginning May 31, from 9 a.m. to noon
Connellsville Farmers Market at 200 N. Arch St.: Thursdays, beginning June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.