Vandergrift Farmer’s Market set to open June 3; local vendors needed

Farm fresh foods are returning to downtown Vandergrift, but organizers are seeking vendors for the weekly event that runs through mid-October.

The annual Vandergrift Farmers Market is set to open June 3.

“We only have two vendors registered right now,” said Julia Martin, chairwoman of the Vandergrift Improvement Project (VIP).

The market advertises goods that are “always fresh and always local” and offers “producer only” foods and products — meaning no reselling or franchises are permitted, according to Natalie Jaworskyj, market manager.

“It’s ‘make it, bake it or grow it,’ ” Jaworskyj said of the open-air market concept that began in the Columbia Avenue parking lot about a decade ago.

Any vendor offering produce, plants, prepared foods and artisans creating wares generated from farm-raised products are invited to register.

“The borough allows us to use the whole back side of the parking lot so we can get lots of vendors in there,” Martin said.

Martin said the market remained open last year, operating under covid-19 restrictions.

Securing vendors is proving more difficult, and Martin isn’t not sure why.

“Our rules (for vendors) are a little more strict because what’s sold has to be homegrown and homemade,” Martin said. “And vendors must have proof of an inspected kitchen and proof of insurance.”

Vendor rates are $50 for five market event dates, or $100 for the entire season.

Jaworskyj owns Maple Ridge Farm and Bakery. It sells pasture-raised chicken, eggs and produce along with maple syrup, cinnamon rolls and baked and canned goods. It accepts SNAP benefits. EBT is accepted by some vendors.

Martin said she’d love to see a food truck participate.

“People like to be able to grab a hot meal and take it home with them,” she said.

Vandergrift resident Marilee Kessler said the farmer’s market is more important than ever.

“In Vandergrift, we don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables unless we drive outside of town to a grocery store,” Kessler said.

Vandergrift lacks a general retail grocery store after the sole supermarket, Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market, closed in 2018.

“I remember last summer the sweet corn sold from Yarnick’s would disappear very quickly and the fresh bread was such a treat every Thursday,” Kessler said.

Participating vendor Honey & Heart Candle Co. is based in Vandergrift; owner Shannon Viscenti handcrafts beeswax candles, balms and lotions.

The farmers market is part of a revitalization effort sponsored by the VIP. It has grown in size since it was founded by the late Colleen Swarmer, a VIP volunteer and Vandergrift resident.