Lower Burrell's farmers market moving to larger space

The Joseph “Bud” Myers Lower Burrell Farmers Market is growing — and moving.

The summer staple now will set up in the parking lot at Bon Air Elementary School, 3260 Leechburg Road, after previously being held for years at the city hall parking lot.

The market opens for the season Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will continue every Saturday through Oct. 7.

“We grew out of our space,” market co-chair Pam Key said.

Co-chair Carley Logan said there was chatter throughout the community that people were avoiding the market because of its congestion.

The market will have 31 vendors this season — 14 more than last year — “to increase the variety of products” available, Logan said.

She said organizers also selected the elementary school as the market’s new home because there is a nearby playground for families to use before and after shopping.

“We want to engage the community, and we want to boost the morale of the community,” Logan said.

Almost all of last season’s vendors are returning. Items for sale will include produce, baked goods, all-natural dog treats, soap and bath products, fresh-cut flower arrangements, soups and pierogis, microgreens, jellies and sauces, farm-fresh eggs, spices and olive oils, coffee and loose leaf tea, as well as fresh beef, chicken and pork products, Logan said. Master gardeners from the Penn State Extension office will hold topic-focused presentations throughout the season.

“There’s going to be a lot of variety,” Key said.

Free children’s activities will be available each week, Logan said, and live entertainment will be offered throughout the season. The market also will have a fundraiser raffle, where the winner will receive a gift card to a local business.

“The goal of raffling off a gift card instead of a gift basket is to get people through the doors of local businesses,” Logan said.

Two special-themed markets are planned. Santa Claus will make an appearance July 22 at a Christmas in July market, and a harvest-type festival will close out the season Oct. 7, Logan said.

Key said she and Logan share the same vision for the farmers market, which is to highlight the city of Lower Burrell, bring visitors in and help the local economy.

“The best thing is just the fellowship that occurs in a community farmers market and the relationships that are formed,” Key said.