Get Fresh: 2 Farmers Markets Open for Season

With the warmer weather comes the arrival of fresh local produce and seasonal outdoor markets.

Bethlehem will have two seasonal farmers markets this summer—one of which will open up for the first time on Saturday morning. The other—the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market at Campus Square—opens for its third week on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Art District Farmers Market—formerly the SteelStacks Farmers Market—will open for business for the first time at 9 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot at Third and Taylor streets. It will take place every Saturday through Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the Art District Farmers Market, shoppers will find nine different vendors offering the seasons’ best and freshest from the region. Market attendees will be able to purchase local fruits and vegetables, ethnic and vegan prepared foods, plants, herbs, locally produced honeys, homemade jams, alpaca wool products and more. In addition, they can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations and fun family activities. 

The first 100 visitors on opening day will receive a free seedling donated by Chris Cummings of Springfield Tree Company. 

The Art District Farmers Market is being promoted jointly by ArtsQuest and the Downtown Bethlehem Association.

ArtsQuest had run its own weekly farmers market for each of the past two summers since the new SteelStacks complex opened. DBA tried to launch a farmers market in the North Side downtown at the Sun Inn Courtyard a year ago, but it never gained a strong following.

On the other hand, the Campus Square farmers market entered its 11th season two weeks ago at the corner of S. New and Morton streets. It will open every Thursday through Oct. 31.

There are 14 vendors at the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market, including three produce vendors— Bechdolt’s Orchards, Lettuce Alone and Heritage Farm/CSA.

For lunch, the choices include Tomblers Home Bakery (English-style pasties), Hellertown Deli & Pita, The Island Taste, Wrap’d Tight and M&B Farview farm, which in addition to lunch sandwiches, also sell packaged meats, cheeses, eggs, milk, and poultry.

Bakers include vendors Back Door Bakeshop, Quetzal Bakery, Sweet Love Cupcakes, and Tasty Pastry. The Popcorn Pit and A Natural Alternative (homemade soaps and toiletries) have also returned.

Some vendors accept EBT and FMNP vouchers. If you go, there are metered parking spaces available in the Campus Square parking garage and along Morton and Fourth streets.