Hampton seeks vendors for farm market's June opening

Come June, Hampton Community Park will hoppin’ on Wednesdays with the return of its bustling farm market.

The parking lot along McCully Road teems with vendors hawking organic honey, fresh-popped kettle corn, a variety of veggies and other prepared foods.

“A variety of offerings can attract a greater number of buyers which can result in a sales boost for vendors,” said program supervisor Bill Ryder. “It’s a win-win.”

Vendors interested in joining this season’s market have until April 30 to register. Ryder said he can probably extend the deadline a few days if necessary.

The popular market kicks off June 1. Weekly sales are from 3 to 7 pm., rain or shine, through Oct. 12.

The Hampton Farmers Market started in 2019 and has grown to draw hundreds of shoppers each week who enjoy the homemade goodies.

There typically are about a dozen booths set up, with scents of hot gyro meat and fresh-baked pastries wafting through the air to draw shoppers in.

So far, this year’s vendors include Halal Gyro Guys, Cindy Munchies, By the Wayside Coffee, Loafers Bread, Gabriel’s Gardens, Russellton Bee Works and Carlos Aviles Farms.

Ryder said the market welcomes new vendors while remaining grateful for those that return each year.

Sarver-based farm Gabriels’s Garden is a repeat seller, offering in-demand watermelons and Honey Crisp apples, among other hot items.

The space allotted to Gabriel’s Garden is lined with colorful veggies that include leaf lettuce, cucumbers and yellow beans – along with the No. 1 requested item, tomatoes.

Ryder said that among the returning favorites are always a few new treats to keep the market fresh and exciting.

Interested vendors can contact Ryder at 412-487-7870 or email bill.ryder@hampton-pa.org.