Food is happy, according to the wholesome graphics on this year’s flyer for Wilkes-Barre’s annual Farmers’ Market created by King’s College student and graphic designer Catie Belardo. Every Thursday from now until mid November, from 10:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre will be the site from everything from fresh fruits, baked goods and vegetables to big cowboy hats and any other odd product you could think of.
The opening day of the Farmers’ Market was lively, with people flocking from vendor to vendor and a handful of kids playing in the grass with some items they recently purchased.
Several farmers from Nescopeck to Plains Twp. showcased their harvests. The market has the highest number of farmers it’s ever had in the past. With temperatures reaching 86 degrees, the day was pretty successful considering the change in the economy over the past year.
Opening day of the 36-years-running Wilkes-Barre market fair was a sunny scorcher after numerous cloudy days. The slushy machines were a big hit due to the sweltering temperatures.
“I think it was one of the best first days we’ve had in a long time,” explains Event Coordinator Lori Majikes. “I don’t think the economy would affect the turnout on each Thursday because the market fair is the downtown’s biggest attraction. People want to buy from our local farmers and do so at an affordable price.”
“I’ve been coming to the opening Thursday for a few years now,” says Kathy Lotz, 42, of Olyphant. “I love to cook, and I always like to stock up on the produce. And the kids usually find something that they want.”
Shoppers don’t really need to come to the market to buy produce; they can very easily find these items at their local supermarket. But people still take the time stop and see what the local farmers are growing.
“I don’t think it’s the price that draws them out as much as it’s knowing the fruit is going to fresh each Thursday,” explains Linda representing Zimmerman Farms of Pitman, Pa. (She was one of several people interviewed that wouldn’t give their last name.) “There’s no reduced prices on fruit because of the freshness here. It’s all fresh.”
“It was good, but it wasn’t as busy as other first days,” explains Jess, speaking of his past three summers working at the Peter’s Ice Cream and Deli stand. “I think the heat might’ve scared some people away this year”
The market isn’t only for shopping. There’s plenty of live entertainment. Every Thursday, a live musical act is scheduled to entertain shoppers. The music of the Farmers’ Market kicked off with the musical stylings of the male and female r&b duo Windfall Enterprises, who will be back at the market later this summer. Other musical acts include Cabinet, John Steven’s Doubleshot, Something Else and Flashback.
Along with different music, there is a different theme that goes with each day. This Thursday, July 2, will be history day, followed by reading day next week.
The Public Square tradition is also inviting to senior citizens. The generation-to-generation volunteers will be on hand to help senior citizens along the way with carrying their purchases from vendor to vendors.
“We’re always trying to expand and add more vendors so we have more to offer the people from year to year,” says Majikes.
w
| Tweet | Follow @wkdr |
|
|
