Ligonier Country Market opens for season

The Ligonier Country Market will open for its 44th season on May 18 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association Farm, off West Main Street and Route 30 in Ligonier.

The market will be held from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine, each Saturday through September, says Cari Frei, executive director.

Featured are locally produced goods from artisans, crafters, farmers and food processors. The market hosts more than 130 farm, craft and prepared food and drink vendors each week, and continues to operate on the premise that vendors must “Make It, Bake It or Grow It” to participate, Frei adds.

Each week includes special features and events, from live music and children’s activities to the Market Sprouts kids club.

“We invite families from throughout the region and people who may be visiting our area for the first time to come out to the market and ‘shop local’ — which powers our economy and supports many owner-operated businesses,” Frei says.

Opening week will feature DJ Eric Vogelsang, a Ligonier Valley middle school teacher, high school soccer coach and high school basketball coach who spins tunes on the side.

Artist Mandy Sirofchuck, owner of Main Exhibit Gallery in Ligonier, will demonstrate the art of stained glass as a preview of the May 25 Ligonier Art Walk.

Also on May 18, visiting children can help plant the market’s Children’s Garden. They can watch it grow throughout the season and return in the fall to paint the pumpkins they plant this week.

Members of Ligonier’s Weeders and Seeders Garden Club, who work hard to maintain the garden, will assist.

Details: ligoniercountrymarket and Facebook