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First time in 270-year history that EFM will be on College Hill;
Single-day move to accommodate Easton Garlic Fest traffic patterns
EASTON, Pa. – For the first time in its 270-year history, the Easton Farmers’ Market will be held in the city’s College Hill neighborhood, finding a single-day home on the Lafayette College Quad on Saturday, October 1, 2022, to accommodate downtown traffic patterns for the first day of Easton Garlic Fest.
Nearly three dozen EFM vendors are expected for the weekly market, which will maintain its traditional hours of 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free parking will be available in Lafayette’s McCartney Street and Clinton Terrace lots and Markle Parking Deck in addition to street parking in College Hill.
“We see this as an opportunity to bring the freshness and local flavors of the Easton Farmers’ Market even closer to our College Hill and Lafayette College neighbors as well as to residents of the townships to our north,” said Megan McBride, EFM manager. “It’s a rare day when we have to move from our home, but after 270 years of continuous operation, you learn to be flexible and resilient. Best of all, I think we’ll see some new faces who will quickly become EFM regulars when we return downtown.
“We are grateful for the hospitality of Lafayette College and their openness to us being part of their community for a day, especially on their beautiful Quad. It is further evidence of Easton’s remarkably collaborative spirit when two of the city’s most hallowed institutions can work together to maintain a cherished Saturday tradition.”
The Easton Farmers’ Market will return to Larry Holmes Drive and Scott Park on October 8.
The EFM has moved only a handful of times in its storied history. A fixture in Centre Square for decades, the EFM moved to Larry Holmes Drive and Scott Park along the riverfront in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to create a more linear flow of shoppers and enable ample physical distancing. One-day moves to the Northampton County Courthouse Parking lot in September 2021 (Hurricane Ida) and October 2021 (Easton Garlic Fest) are the only other locations in recent history.
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 1752. A program of the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership, the Easton Farmers’ Market, presented by Capital Blue, is open every Saturday (May-December). 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 (for GEDP)
Drabenstott Communications Group
