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EASTON, Pa. – As one hallowed Easton tradition – the Easton Farmers’ Market – prepares for a 271st year, a newer one – the West Ward Market – is ready to build on the success of its inaugural season in 2022. Operated by Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), both markets open in the first week of May and uphold vital community roles in their respective locations.
EFM: 271 years old and fresher than ever
Opening May 6 with an opening-day celebration at 10 a.m., The Easton Farmers’ Market (eastonfarmersmarket.com), a mainstay of downtown Easton since 1752, is the nation’s longest continually operating open-air market. Located at Scott Park along the beautiful riverfront, EFM will boast more than three dozen local farmers, bakers and makers who offer an exceptional variety of produce, breads, meats, eggs, beverages, cheeses and dairy, international foods, flowers, and ready-to-eat dishes. Rotating guest vendors will broaden the selection even further with artisan-made goods, wellness products and crafts. Vendor list: https://eastonfarmersmarket.com/full-vendor-list/
Presented by Capital Blue, The EFM is open Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through December. The market also features live music, activities for kids and adults, and free parking in adjacent lots. An assortment of special events such as Strawberry Day (6/3), Juneteenth Celebration (6/17), the EFM’s 271st Birthday Celebration (7/8), Funky Ferments Fest (9/2), Hot Pepper Eating Contest (9/23) and Apple Jam (10/14) will offer market-goers the chance to celebrate seasonal foods and noteworthy occasions.
“We are honored to welcome more than 2,000 people each week on average to the EFM for fresh local foods and true community spirit,” said Megan McBride, manager of EFM. “We have a good number of our merchants returning for 2023 and a handful of new ones to add to the variety our shoppers expect. While we primarily serve the greater Easton area, we routinely get visitors from Central Jersey, the NYC metro area and the northern Philly suburbs who want soak in our history and natural setting as the perfect start to a visit to Easton.”
West Ward Market returns May 3
Preceding the EFM each Wednesday starting May 3 (opening celebration 4 p.m.) through September, the West Ward Market (westwardmarket.com) will serve the West Ward neighborhood and surrounding areas weekly from 3 -7 p.m., at N. 12th and Northampton streets (between Cottingham Stadium and Paxinosa Elementary School.) The open-air market will feature more than a dozen local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals (onsite or take-home), beverages, honey, flowers, home goods and more.
A weekly hub for neighborhood connection and involvement, WWM will host community-minded groups including Easton Garden Works, YMCA, Overtown Media + Art and Community Bike Works, and offer the Power of Produce program for kids. Live musicians or a DJ will provide music each week.
GEDP launched WWM in 2022 as part of a collaborative effort to expand access to fresh, healthy food throughout the Lehigh Valley. “Nourishing a neighborhood starts with fresh food and extends to community connections,” said McBride. “We’re building on the success of our first year and offering more vendors, more activities and more chances to interact with neighbors and access community resources.”
Special events at the WWM will include Milk Crate Gardens and Soil Refill Station (5/10), Easton Garden Works Pop-Up Tool Library (5/24), Juneteenth Celebration (6/14), Zucchini 500 Race (7/19), Lebanese Heritage Day (8/2), Tomato Day (8/23), and Hispanic Heritage Day (9/20).
Supporting Easton through food
EFM and WWM, as well as the Highmark Farmstand inside Easton Public Market (325 Northampton Street in the heart of downtown), welcome Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, Philadelphia-based The Food Trust (thefoodtrust.org) will double purchases up to $10 through the use of Food Bucks for fruits and veggies when shoppers spend at least $2 using SNAP at all three markets.
The Easton Public Market, which has 13 food and beverage vendors in addition to the newly remodeled Highmark Farmstand, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Highmark Farmstand offers fresh local and organic produce, dairy, eggs and a broad assortment of dry goods and ingredients.
“Healthy, wholesome and delicious food should be accessible to all,” said McBride. “We are thankful for Easton residents who visit our three markets to buy local and support local farmers and makers. Food can bring us all closer together, and we at GEDP are proud to provide occasions and venues to do just that.”
About Easton Farmers’ Market
Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) is a program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) and part of Easton’s market district. 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 or organically grown. Customers will also find antibiotic and hormone-free, pasture-raised meats, fresh baked goods, and ready-to-eat items. More: eastonfarmersmarket.com. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, vibrant culture, and hospitality. More: eastonpartnership.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott (for GEDP)
Drabenstott Communications Group
