Rain or shine, Tuesday is farm market day in Bethel Park

The Bethel Park Farmers’ Market is supposed to take place rain or shine.

For the 2023 season, opening day provided the precipitation. And the following Tuesday supplied the sun.

“Today more than makes up for last week,” market manager Lindsey Sibert said amid ideal conditions on May 9. “We’re hoping for lots more days like this.”

So is Vicki Bolen, although she appears to be a frequent patron, regardless.

“I was here last week. I’m a diehard,” she said about braving the elements on the first Tuesday of May. “I’m here to support local businesses, and I love the honey and the tacos. And just to find new products and things I enjoy.”

For the market’s second week, Matt and Keira Dallas of Bethel Park brought their children, Charlotte Grayson, who enjoyed making the rounds in a wagon toted by Mom and/or Dad.

“We come here pretty much every week,” Keira said. “We always get the farmers’ stuff, lots of good produce. Definitely, that would be our No. 1. Then we like to look at the food trucks, too.”

And they like to support local businesses.

“Any chance we get,” Matt said.

The market takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through the end September in South Park at Corrigan and 100 Acres drives, near the park’s ice-skating rink.

“We have more vendors this year, and we’re going to be doing a little bit more with entertainment,” Sibert said. “We’re going to have a Christmas In July event on July 25, and then a few surprises in store for National Farmers’ Market Week in August.“

Interactive recreation programs are planned, and entertainers will provide music. Dates are open for musicians who want to demonstrate their talents. If interested, email farmersmarket@bethelpark.net for details

During each week’s market is No Cook Tuesday, which started as an off-season attraction during the covid-19 pandemic and proved to be so popular that it is continuing throughout the year. The expanded event will feature half a dozen trucks weekly.

Many of the vendors are scheduled to be present at every market, while others attend on a rotating basis.

Whoever is on site, they’re bound to attract people like Madi Scherer and her friends on Tuesdays.

“I love just going to little markets and shopping,” Madi said. “It’s very fun.”

For more information, visit bethelparkfarmersmarket.com.