- Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 April 2015 16:09
By Jackson Brower
On May 20th, the second annual Peters Township Farmers' Market will open. The first year was extremely successful, and this year is going to be even bigger with over 30 vendors signed up.
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| Pictured (l-r) are members of the Peters Township Farmers' Market Board of Directors: Beth Opat; Chelsea Johnston; Amy Michalesko; Rev. Kris McInnes; Mey Walker; Seashal Belldina; Misty Menarcheck; and Gianna Thomas. |
Products offered will include fresh produce from five different farmers, eggs, milk, bread, cheese, beef/chicken/pork, pasta, cured meat, condiments, jams and dips, olive oil and balsamic vinegars, honey, hummus, maple syrup, organic fresh pressed juice, fresh cut flowers, prepared foods and sweet treats such as kettle corn, shaved ice, pies, cookies, biscotti and more. Local artisans will be offering handmade soaps and woodworking.
This year the Market will be adding two wine vendors - J & D Cellars from Eighty Four, PA and Christian Clay Winery from Chalkhill, PA. A number of vendors are also participating from the Strip District downtown, including Parma Sausage, Ohio City Pasta, Eliza's Oven, Enrico's Biscotti Bakery and The Olive Tap. Each week will feature live entertainment from local performers, area children's groups and chef cooking demos from local restaurants and culinary schools. If you're interested in performing, please send a message via their Facebook page or email: stdavidspeterstwp@gmail.com.
A larger variety of prepared foods will also be available so patrons can eat dinner while they shop and this year they'll be adding a seating area so families can dine while they enjoy live entertainment. There will also be mobile food trucks from Pittsburgh visiting throughout the season. Franktuary gourmet hot dogs and Caustelot Creamery, homemade ice cream will be there to kick off the opening of the Market on May 20th. The first season was a big success and many vendors are excited to return to the Market and see how the Market will be even bigger and better this year.
"We are anxious for the new season to start! We are excited to return to the Peters Township Farmers' Market and see our old customers/friends while also meeting new ones. The Market has a great atmosphere to it and we are excited to see what changes have been made," said Nicole Kern, of Kern Farms.
The purpose of the Market is to provide an opportunity to farmers and artisans in the region to sell what they produce directly to South Hills & Peters residents. The Board of Directors is made up of 8 local volunteer women and Rev. Kris McInnes of St. David's Episcopal Church. The 9 of them share a passion for sustainable farming and buying local fresh products for their families. They hope to encourage relationships between producer and consumer and limit the distance food and goods travel from farm to table.
"I was so pleased with the results of our first season of the Peters Township Farmers' Market," said Reverend Kris McInnes, adding, "We hosted a great variety of vendors bringing wonderful local products to our customers. But even more than that, we were able to provide a place for greater connection in our community."
The Peters Township Farmers' Market will be held every Wednesday from 3 – 7 p.m. at the St. David's Episcopal Church at 905 E. McMurray Rd. Venetia. The Market will begin on May 20th and continue through October 14th. For more information and a full list of participating vendors, please visit their website www.peterstownshipFarmers'market.org or "like" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ peterstownshipFarmers'market.
