Farmers market opens for 9th season
UPPER MERION » Local foodies and the health-conscious crowd will all be happy to know that one of the area’s most popular outdoor farmers markets is now open for its ninth season with the customary array of farm-fresh goods and sustainable products.
“We kept all the good stuff from last year and added more good stuff, so this will be a very good year for the Upper Merion Farmers Market (UMFM),” noted market manager Vince Lattuca. “We have a great mix of new and returning vendors.”
A drenching rain didn’t put a dent in the UMFM opening day on Saturday, as customers were treated to a special birthday cake from Costco in honor of the market’s ninth year.
“We had 530 cars, so probably around 1,000 people,” Lattuca said.
The lineup of vendors for the 2018 season includes A’Dello Winery; Balanced (soaps and skin care); Carmen B’s Honey; Cocky Gourmet Confections; DAJ Mushrooms; Diane Conway Jewelry; Edna Rambo Pottery; Feine Coffee; Firehouse Donuts; Five Saints Distilling; Frank’s Fine Swine & Beef; Gayle Flaer Jewelry; Gelat’oh Truck; G’Mas Sewing; Green Lion Bread; Handmade in Latvia; Health & Tea; Hedgehog Grill; Heritage Flour; Howe Sharp (sharpening service); Jack’s Farm; James Hamblin Pottery; Juicery KOP; King of Prussia Historical Society; Lavinia’s Cookies; Lilac Birthday Entertainment; Lucky Dog Treat Co.; MacDougall’s Irish Victory Cakes; Maiale Deli & Sal-
umeria; Manatawny Still Works; Mano’s Creations; MoJo’s Pop Co.; Nurturing Nature Farm; O’Donnell’s Woodworking; Pam’s Baskets; Peach Bottom Farm; Pure Scents Candle Co.; Quarryville Orchard; Robin Hill Organics; Spring Creek
Farms; Susan Lewis Paper Products; Theobald & Oppenheimer Liquors, and Your Stars Within (essential oils).
With a first season at the Norristown Farmer’s Market last year, Five Saints Distilling, based in Norristown, was a natural addition to UMFM, noted owner John George.
“Farmers markets are an approved venue for distilleries, and the markets encourage
the support of farms. Pennsylvania law does allow distilleries to attend farmers markets to sell their wares with a special permit, and we do use locally sourced ingredients, like our grain from a farm in Elverson,” George explained. “In essence, we are making our small batch homemade spirits right here in Norristown.”
UMFM is the perfect venue to introduce the brand to
those who may not be familiar with it, he said.
“It’s just another avenue to make our products available to the public. We’re really pleased to be at the market and we’ll be selling our bottles and providing tastings.”
The Upper Merion Farmers Market is celebrating Memorial Day weekend by partnering with Swedesburg Fire Company for a chicken barbecue on Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (meal pickup is 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). Hearty platters include barbecue chicken with a baked potato and coleslaw, with proceeds to benefit both Swedesburg Fire Company and the Upper Merion Farmers Market.
Coming up is a Strawberry Festival on June 9; the Zucchini 500, July 14; Family Fun Day, Aug. 11; Health & Wellness Day, Sept. 8; Fall Festival/Fiber Arts, Oct. 13, and the annual Chili Cook-off on Nov. 1.