EASTON, Pa. — A historical staple of Easton’s agricultural scene will celebrate 272 seasons of food and fun this weekend.
Easton Farmers’ Market will kick off its spring session with 43 regular vendors and 20 rotating guests from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Saturday, May 4, at Scott Park.
Guests can take in the riverfront views while enjoying locally sourced foods, specialty events and outdoor activities stretching from the spring into fall.
Opening day events will include live music from Highest Bidder from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"This year promises to bring even more excitement and heat to our beloved market, providing a platform for vendors and visitors to celebrate fresh, locally produced food, crafts, music, and community.”Megan McBride, Easton Market district director for the Greater Easton Development Partnership
There also will be guest speakers, including Karen Clark, vice president of Patient Care Services at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital; state Rep. Robert Freeman; Easton Mayor Sal J. Panto Jr.; and keynote speaker Bryan McAtee of Minsi Mountain Flower Farm starting at 10 a.m.
Guests also can enter a prize drawing to win $50 in Market Bucks.
"We are thrilled to introduce all of the offerings to come as part of our 272nd season," said Megan McBride, Easton Market district director for the Greater Easton Development Partnership
"This year promises to bring even more excitement and heat to our beloved market, providing a platform for vendors and visitors to celebrate fresh, locally produced food, crafts, music, and community.”
A historic market
Easton Farmers’ Market is well-known as America’s longest continuous running open-air market, having set up shop in 1752, the year of the city’s founding.
“For more than two and a half centuries, farmers and merchants gathered in Easton’s 'Great Square' to peddle their fresh and handcrafted wares,” the market’s website reads.
“Today the Easton Farmers’ Market remains a rich and colorful piece of Easton’s heritage. The market draws on its deep roots and offers visitors a vibrant shopping experience and incomparable community spirit.”Easton Farmers Market website
“Easton’s proximity to Philadelphia and New York City and its unique place at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, made it a natural site for regional commerce and community gatherings.
"In fact, on July 8, 1776, the Great Square (now known as Centre Square) was the site for one of only three public readings of the Declaration of Independence.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the market has been in Scott Park on the riverside, which allowed for more space to accommodate vendors and shoppers in a safe environment.
“Today the Easton Farmers’ Market remains a rich and colorful piece of Easton’s heritage," the website states.
"The market draws on its deep roots and offers visitors a vibrant shopping experience and incomparable community spirit.”
Many offerings
The market has many types of offerings.
Those seeking out fresh produce can visit Cabbage Throw Farm, Phillips Farms, Primordia Mushroom Farm, Salvaterra’s Gardens, Scholl Orchards and Twin Maple Farms.
Interested in pasture-raised meat, dairy, and eggs? Check out Apple Ridge Farm, Breakaway Farms, Raspberry Ridge Creamery and Wild for Salmon.
Fans of blooms and botanicals should swing by The Bubbly Goat, FD Market, Minsi Mountain Flower Farm, Teels Hill Soapworks and Urban Jungle Plants.
Bakery and confection fanatics can find savory and sweet treats at Apple Ridge Farm, Chocodiem, Flour Shop Bakery, Mia & Maddie’s Bakery and Tomblers Bakery.
There also are specialty shops, such as Bizzle’s Bites for dog treats, Cuz’n Vinny’s Homemade Pasta, Easton Salsa Company, Funny Farms Apiaries, Jersey Pickles and Love the Soup.
Also, Mattie’s Strudel Haus, Oley Ravioli, River Valley Community Grains, Saint Rocco’s Dog Treats, Untamed Ferments and Zekraft.
Food and drink, too
If you're hungry, there's Aladdin Middle Eastern, K&S Grill and Tierra de Fuego.
And if you want to top that dinner off with a specialty drink or craft libation, swing by Barley Creek Brewery & Distillery or Cellar Beast Winery.
Also, Green Vida Co., Highpoint Kombucha, Roastwell Coffee Roasters, Silverback Distillery, Tolino Vineyards, Untamed Ferments Kombucha, and Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
This season also will feature special maker spaces, including appearances by Allerton Knife Sharpening & Wood Craft every second Saturday and an array of rotating crafters every week.
Marketgoers also can explore new merchandise at the Merch tent, featuring tees, tanks, hoodies, hats, totes and more to show support for America's oldest continuous open-air market, established in 1752.
Sustainability initiatives will play a key role in the market’s 2024 season, with organizers supporting vendors who offer sustainable packaging or returnable jar programs, all marked with green ribbons.
Special events for 2024 will include Strawberry Day on June 1, a Juneteenth Celebration on June 15, Pollinator Day on June 22 and the market’s 272nd Birthday Celebration on July 6.
Also, Peach Day on Aug. 3, Tomato Day on Aug. 17, Funky Ferments Fest on Aug. 31, Hispanic Cultural Day on Sept. 14 and the Hot Pepper Olympics on Sept. 21.
Also, Apple Jam on Oct. 12, Pumpkins & Pooches & Lafayette Day on Oct. 26, and photos with Santa and his goats on Dec. 7 and 14.
