The Saltsburg Farmers Market kicks off in June, offering vendors, live music and food to local community members.
This is the second year of market operation. The idea of establishing a farmers market in the area was pioneered in 2021 by committee member Karen Cumberledge. She presented the idea to her fellow Saltsburg Borough Council members, who agreed to help bring the vision to life.
“We had a meeting and started focusing on what we wanted to offer at the event,” said committee member Rory Johnson.
“We wanted to feature only handcrafted, homemade products. We wanted to bring in farmers and food vendors.”
Since last year, the market has grown from 10 vendors to nearly 22 per week. The event runs every other Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, weather permitting.
“I think we’ve doubled in size since the first year,” says Johnson. “That’s why we’re staying in touch with people and trying to find more vendors. There’s a lot more that I know we can find.”
Market Committee members include Cumberledge, Johnson, Michelle Jesko, John Lombardo and Krystin Kelly.
“Each member has a different role,” Johnson said. “Michelle does most of the promotions. Karen, John and I handle a lot of things on the day. We are answering a lot of questions.”
In terms of entertainment, the market has a lot to offer. Today, he has four official farms selling vegetables and other commodities such as cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, pickles and herbs.
Mother Mary’s Meats and McChesney Farms offer beef, steak, pork, bacon, sausage and other meat products.
Another vendor, Cindy Purves, brings a variety of homemade jellies. Little Blessings Farm offers goat milk-based products, including soaps, hand her creams, and body lotions.
One of the farmers/vendors, Staymates, brought in a machine that makes roasted peanuts and sells fresh peanuts during the event.
Toni’s Fry Shack and Comer’s Italian Ice are two major food vendors available during the event. The committee is considering bringing in at least one more regular food vendor.
Johnson said the commission is now looking for more vendors to bring in baked goods.
“My favorite part of the market is meeting the vendors,” Johnson said. “Not all are local. Some come from quite a distance, like Vandergrift, Homer City, Latrobe, Apollo. I love being in! They will be back.”
In addition to providing access to many unique vendors, the market showcases live music performed by friends Julie Dunmire and Joe Dakira.
“They’ve been around for a long time,” Johnson said. “Joe owns a Napa store in town and Julie has a thrift store just outside of Saltzburg. Appears on Canal Days and Car Cruises. Everyone knows them.”
The Faith Alliance Church of Saltsburg is responsible for children’s activities. A “Kids Corner” with lots of crafts and games is also planned. The church will set up spots along the canal along with other vendors for parents and guardians to easily drop off their children and enjoy shopping at the Kid’s Corner.
“Most importantly, it’s a community event,” says Johnson. “People leave their homes and come down to support local vendors. It’s a really great community event.”
The Saltsburg Farmers Market will be held on August 18th, September 1st and will end on September 22nd.
Vendors interested in participating in the Saltsburg Farmers Market must complete a registration form that can be accessed by mail or email. Food vendors are $10 and craft vendors are $5. The only requirement is that all products are homemade/handcrafted.
For more information, call (724) 639-9413 or visit the Saltsburg Farmers Market Facebook page.