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Although most of its original vendors are no longer invovled, after 19 seasons it’s safe to say that the Saucon Valley Farmers Market is thriving. From humble origins in 2006, the market has outgrown two sites and now hosts over 25 regular vendors, most of whom will be present for the start of its 20th season this Sunday, May 4, at 9 a.m. next to the Hellertown Area Library.

Over the years, the market has grown into an institution for many residents who value the access it provides to locally-grown produce, prepared foods, baked goods and other producer-only items like honey, beef, eggs, cheese, wine, kombucha, plants, herbs and cut flowers. On the fourth Sunday of each month and every week later in the fall the market hosts Art in the Park, which features local crafters and artisans selling their wares, in addition to its regular vendor lineup.

Live music by local performers is part of each weekly market and special events like Dog Days of Summer and the market’s annual Sunflower Contest are held throughout the season. Several new events are also on the 2025 market calendar, including a Spring Wellness Fair planned for May 18, a Summer Wellness Fair planned for Aug. 10 and Salsa Fest planned for Sept. 14.

Providing area residents with access to fresh, locally-grown produce and other foods is at the heart of the Saucon Valley Farmers Market’s mission. Originally located in what is now the Truist bank parking lot on Main Street and later in Hellertown’s Water Street Park, the market has grown since 2006 to include a diverse community of dozens of vendors.

Also new this season will be monthly Master Gardener demos in the community tent and a weekly Art Zone kids tent sponsored by Steve Hollander, House & Land Real Estate, located near the information booth. The Art Zone tent will feature a volunteer-led weekly craft for little ones to enjoy while their parents shop.

This year’s vendor lineup includes many returning sellers, along with some new ones. Some vendors will be participating in the market each week, while others will attend every other week, once a month or at various times throughout the season.

The vendor lineup for opening day includes St. Rocco’s Treats (dog treats), Thaler Farms, Stehly’s Bakery, Breadfermented, Epic Acre Farm, Mainly Mushrooms, Back Door Bakeshop, Fork’d Pierogies, Moongate Farms, Marie’s Soap Co., Flint Hill Farm, Popcorn Pit, Mad Catter Coffee Roasters, Bon Petit Marché (jams & more), Farmhouse Bakery, Steel City Pizza, Fairfield Farms (jams & more), Green Star Farm, Hilltop Haven (wine), Beets the Meat, Love Grown Grains, Clean Green Growers, Let’s Taco Bout It, Stonefield Farm Bakery, Corn Fritters, Mattie’s Strudel Haus and Macungie Mountain Herb Farm. Opening day music will be performed by Christine & Co. and the Art Zone will have Star Wars-themed “May the 4th Be With You” crafts. Kids who stop by the tent from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be able to make their own light saber, color and design/name their own planet. New 20th season merchandise will also be available for purchase at the information booth near the center of the market.

The Saucon Valley Farmers Market is a nonprofit organization and receives support from a variety of local sponsors, which this year include Lost River Caverns, Heintzelman Funeral Home, Silver Creek Landscaping, Evoke Solar, Frey’s Better Foods, Carl Volkman & Sons HVAC, Lindsay O. Albert Tax & Accounting, Center Street Center, Pichel-McGovern Farms, Saucon Valley Sporting Goods, Christ Lutheran Hellertown, Braveheart Highland Pub, Hellertown Area Library and Hellertown American Legion Post 397. Additional support comes from the Farruggia family, Kathy and Larry Sutton and Saucon Source LLC.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the market, as long as they are leashed at all times.

The 2025 market is open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 4 through Dec. 7 (except for Nov. 30). It is held on the field next to the library at 409 Constitution Ave., Hellertown. Parking is available in the library’s lot and along Constitution Avenue.

Local residents can receive regular updates about this year’s market by subscribing to SVFM’s free weekly newsletter and by following the market on Facebook and Instagram. Information about this year’s vendor lineup along with becoming a market vendor, sponsor or artisan is also available at SVFMPA.com.