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May marks return of farmers markets to Easton

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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.

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 (June 3), Juneteenth Celebration (June 17), the EFM’s 271st Birthday Celebration (July 8), Funky Ferments Fest (Sept. 2), Hot Pepper Eating Contest (Sept. 23) and Apple Jam (Oct. 14) will offer market-goers the chance to celebrate seasonal foods and noteworthy occasions.

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.

Special events at the WWM will include Milk Crate Gardens and Soil Refill Station (May 10), Easton Garden Works Pop-Up Tool Library (May 24), Juneteenth Celebration (June 14), Zucchini 500 Race (July 19), Lebanese Heritage Day (Aug. 2), Tomato Day (Aug. 23), and Hispanic Heritage Day (Sept. 20).

EFM and WWM, as well as the Highmark Farmstand inside Easton Public Market (325 Northampton St. 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.


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