Well, the big event did NOT disappoint! Nor did the weather. The opening salvo to the Lansdowne Farmers Market was the perfect day to mix and mingle with people we haven’t seen for 6 months, or saw just yesterday. It really is one of my favorite days of the year.
And this was just the beginning! We’ve got ‘til Halloween to sample, snack and even sip the best that PA (and NJ) bring to the table. And just this once, I’m going to break it all down for you. Some are old friends, some new soon to be…to know who’s here when, just go to our LFM schedule.
Produce: This year’s rotation includes Green Zebra, Herrcastle Farms, Fruitwood Orchard, Potato Homestead right down to the teeny tiny micro greens being served up at Solrig Farms.
As we head onto into the season, you’ll want to be prepared for what to expect on the farmers’ tables each week, so make it a habit to refer to the PA Preferred seasonal calendar …or better yet, talk to one of the farmers. They’re happy to tell you what’s on the way out…or in. And while you’re there, be sure to thank them for all the diggin’ in the dirt.
Cheese, meats, savories, etc.: Creative Shepherd Farm, Amazing Acres Goat Dairy, Jerky Jack, Relishing Grannies
Prepared Foods: Cheryl’s Southern Style, Lucille’s Granddaughter, Pure Truth Culinary, Yaya’s Caribbean Cuisine, and, of course, Wilson’s Curiously Good Foods
Baked stuff and goodies: My House Cookies, Big Sky Bread, Kia’s Cakes, FireHouse Donuts, Cherry’s Baking Company, and The Icery!
Sippin’ stuff: Kay-Way Juice, Red Brick Craft Distillery, Dock Street Brewery, Conshohocken Brewing Co., and Mitchell & Mitchell Wines
And, of course, the full slate of health and beauty, fragrances, artists and musicians that’ll have us exfoliated, enhanced and entertained. I’ll give each some special attention as the season goes on. This week: Love Naturally’s skin and bath products.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Something new has been added to the LFM family.
The Community YMCA will be right here every week with a summer calendar full of family-friendly activities and games. Another reason for the little ones to love coming to market. Be sure to look for them each Saturday. This week will focus on SCIENCE!
In the Music Tent: The Lost Northern Tribe will once again stumble off course and land right here with their zany zydeco and more. I dare your feet not to move; and I hope they never find their way back to the bayou.
Artist of the Week: Genni Naklicki brings her incredible string art to our tent. For those of us with barely enough dexterity to untangle a single thread, Genni has turned tangles into objets d’art.
Community Table: Union AA. We say it every year…our 4th of July rocks. But only with the financial support of our citizens. The annual parade and fireworks are funded solely by donation. If you go…or if you only watch from your backyard…PLEASE do your fair share to support this event.
Special Event: Immediately following this week’s market our award-winning Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra will be holding a special free concert at the 20th Century Club. If you’ve never been vaccinated with the classical music needle, this is the perfect opportunity to initiate learning. You don’t have to do anything but listen.
I’ll try to keep you posted on special events as they come along, but don’t forget to look for other stuff to do by reading the LEDC postings elsewhere in this newsletter, or by visiting the LEDC website and clicking on Events.
Word: Have you volunteered lately? The Farmers Market, and so much of life in a small town, would not happen without the hours and sweat equity of its volunteers. Our reward? Knowing that we make a difference…and the friendships we forge. So if you just moved in, or if you’ve lived here forever, join us here…or if not here, somewhere.
So, that’s a wrap…but just for now. I’ll be back next week, and every week of the season, with more reasons to Love Lansdowne. And I’ll be lookin’ at YOU, kid!
Terry Baraldi