Visitors to the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market in Hellertown basked in the fresh air and warm sunshine Sunday. The market opened for its 16th season with current COVID-19 safety protocols in place, but far fewer than were necessary a year ago.
There was no shortage of smiles at the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market Sunday. After months of being cooped up due to pandemic restrictions as well as winter weather, shoppers were clearly eager to enjoy the fresh-air venue’s offerings–which included plenty of warm sunshine as well as live music by Golden Twine–on opening day.
The market is held on the grass lot next to the Hellertown Area Library on Constitution Avenue, opposite Dimmick Park. It is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from early May through late November. Amenities including bike racks and a playground (across the street in the park) are available.
More than 25 vendors sell fresh produce, farm-raised meats, eggs, cheese, baked goods, pickles, prepared and specialty foods, coffee, kombucha, wine, spirits, pet food, handmade soap and a variety of other locally-grown or produced products. Local artisans can also be found at the farmers’ market along with live musical performances each week.
This year’s vendors include Moon Gate Farms, Valley Microgreens, Blackbird Farms, Epic Acre Farm, Liberty Acre Farm, Slate Belt Butcher (formerly Carey’s Specialty Meats), Bechdolt’s Orchard, Flint Hill Farm, Bam’s Carrot Cakes, Warm Sugar, Rolling Pin Pastries, Aunt Jack’s Real Home Baking, Tombler’s Bakery, ChefMeals, Macungie Mountain Herb Farm, Fairfield Farm, Mediterra, Ridge Valley Farm, Pins ‘N Needles (face masks), Mainly Mushrooms, Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Wardog Spirits, High Point Kombucha, The Colony Meadery, Four Monkeys Coffee, Alice’s Natural Nibble, Marie’s Soap Company, Peanut Butter and More, and Popcorn Pit. For descriptions of each vendor as well as other information, visit SauconValleyFarmersMarket.com. Saucon Source will also feature some of this year’s vendors in profile stories we will publish in the coming weeks.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 safety protocols remain in place at the market. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines are in effect, with plenty of space to spread out. Hand sanitizing stations are available and the first hour of shopping is reserved for senior citizens and others who may be at higher risk from the disease.
Follow the market on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates about vendors, music and more.
Interested in becoming a farmers market volunteer? Click here to learn more.
Golden Twine performed at the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market’s opening day Sunday. Each week from early May through late November the outdoor market hosts a live musical performance by a rotating lineup of talented local singers and bands.
There is plenty of room to move about while maintaining physical distancing at the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market. Ample on-street parking is available along Constitution Avenue, with additional parking located in the Hellertown Area Library lot.
Four Monkeys Coffee of Kutztown is one of the vendors that are new to the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market this year.
The market is dog-friendly, however pets must be well-behaved and leashed at all times.
Volunteers from Dewey Fire Company No. 1 in Hellertown were on hand at the farmers market Sunday to highlight the work they do and to explain why becoming a volunteer firefighter is a great way to give back to the community.
ChefMeals, a meal preparation service based in Hellertown, is one of the farmers market vendors that are new for 2021. Chef Joe Stout was on hand to explain how his meal service program works, with samples from his menu.
Volunteers from the Bethlehem Food Co-op were ready to share information about their organization and how to become a co-op member with shoppers at the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market Sunday. The co-op recently announced the location of its permanent home in the Christmas City, where locally-grown produce along with sustainably-sourced food will be available to purchase year-round. For more information about becoming a Bethlehem Food Co-op member visit BethlehemFood.coop.
If anyone forgot a mask, Pins ‘N Needles had them for sale. The local business sells a variety of hand-stitched designs in sizes for kids and adults.
