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Fun events, regional leaders to commemorate
America’s oldest continuously operating open-air farmers’ market
EASTON, Pa – June 30, 2022 – With a storied heritage dating back to 1752, the Easton Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 270th birthday on July 9 with cake, song, proclamations and more to recognize the longevity of a beloved institution that has endured world wars, depressions, recessions and pandemics.
Holding the title of America’s oldest, continuous open-air market, the Easton Farmers’ Market has been a destination for fresh and locally grown and prepared foods since pre-Revolutionary times. A program of the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership, the Easton Farmers’ Market, presented by Capital Blue, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday (May-December) at Scott Park along Larry Holmes Drive.
Presentations will begin at 10 a.m. Easton Mayor Sal Panto and the Bachmann Players in colonial garb will lead the singing of “Happy Birthday.” Additional speakers expected to appear include Congresswoman Susan Wild, State Representative Bob Freeman, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, Lou Puentes (President of LVH-Hecktown Oaks) and Fred Sisco from IBEW Local 102. Free birthday cake (while supplies last) as well as a special canine cake for dogs baked by Bella’s Bistro will be available after the speakers conclude.
Shoppers on July 9 can enjoy a display of historic market photos and enter a 270th Birthday Prize Drawing (located at the EFM Merch Tent) for a chance to win $70 in market tokens. Rounding out the festivities will be kids’ activities – including magic and balloon art from Balloons the Clown — and live music featuring 9-year-old fiddler phenom Serafina Salvaterra from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Texas Rose at 11:00 a.m. and the Bachmann Players strolling the market.
This season the EFM features 45+ vendors in the spacious, outdoor setting bordered by the Delaware and Lehigh rivers. The market found a new, scenic home in Scott Park in 2020 from its traditional home in Centre Square to accommodate COVID-19 health protocols.
Market details
Free parking for Easton Farmers’ Market will be available in the two lots adjacent to Scott Park, thanks to Riverstar Properties and the Law Offices of Florio-Perrucci. Vendors accept cash, credit, Venmo, PayPal, checks and EBT. Visit eastonfarmersmarket.com for online ordering information for participating vendors.
Easton Farmers’ Market will continue to accept EBT as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Thanks to a USDA grant through Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (BFBLGLV), the market will offer LV Fresh Food Bucks with EBT purchases matched by BFBLGLV, up to $10 per day. Those enrolled in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for qualified seniors, and those in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will be able to use their vouchers at produce vendors who participate in their state’s programs.
Sponsors for the 2022 EFM season include: Capital Blue, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products, IBEW Local 102, Nurture Nature Center and Astound Broadband.
ABOUT: Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) is a program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). EFM is America’s longest continuously-running open-air market. It is a producer-only market that features fresh, local produce – the vast majority of which is naturally/organically grown. Customers will also find antibiotic and hormone-free, pasture-raised meats, fresh baked goods, and ready-to-eat items. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, vibrant culture, and hospitality. It is comprised of Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, PA Bacon Fest and the Easton Ambassadors. For more information, visit eastonpartnership.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott
Drabenstott Communications Group
