Sewickley Civic Garden Council’s May Mart set to bloom May 11

Sewickley Civic Garden Council officials are nearly ready to harvest the fruits of their labor in setting up their annual celebration.

May Mart is planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Broad Street, from Beaver to Thorn, will be closed for the rain or shine event. Admission is free.

“I think we’re going to have a great day,” SCGC President Karen Galbraith said. “Last year we had a great turnout. We’re having more vendors than ever.

“We’re going to have a food court, which is going to be great. We have a free children’s activity at the gazebo. I think it’s going to be a wonderful day to spend time in the community and see our neighbors.”

This year’s theme is “Keeping Sewickley Green.”

There will be a compost bin at the Sewickley Civic Garden Council booth. Sustainable Sewickley, PittMoss and Zero Waste Wrangler will be on hand to discuss their programs, recycling and composting while keeping it local.

Sewickley Methodist Church will have its rummage sale and used garden books for sale. More fruits and vegetables are expected to be available at the farmer’s market area.

The children’s activity is making bird feeders using tennis ball cans.

Galbraith said finding new uses for old materials fits well with the theme.

Thousands are expected to flock to the borough.

The event returned last year after a three-year covid-19 pandemic hiatus. There were about 50 vendors at the time.

Vendor coordinator Lynn Popovich said 60 have signed up this time around, including many newcomers.

“I think a lot of it has to do with people wanting to be outside, and we had a lot more publicity,” Popovich said about the event’s growth. “People come to buy flowers, but they also come for the food and all the other extraneous vendors that are selling things for kids and gardens. There’s a large variety for all different ages and types of families and whatever your interests are.”

New foods include Sewickley Methodist Church’s walking tacos, St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church’s homemade crepes, pies and jams from Sand Hill Berries; cheesecakes from Kyle’s Cakes N’at, nut, apricot and poppy seed rolls from Glencoe Gourmet and organic ice pops from PopWorld.

Local garden clubs will sell annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and related goods.

Clubs include Grapevine Garden Club, The Little Garden Club, Trowel & Error Garden Club and Village Garden Club.

Galbraith said May Mart has specialty items that cannot be found in the gardening section of big box home improvement stores.

“We want to continue to contribute to the community and make sure the community is aware of us,” Galbraith said.

She recommended people arrive early so they can enjoy everything participating garden clubs and vendors have to offer.

Bell School of Irish Dancers will provide live entertainment.

More information is available at sewickleygardens.com.