Tarentum Farm Market opens season with fresh flowers, berries and barbecue

It’s fair to say that customers were clamoring for the opening of the Tarentum Farm Market on Wednesday.

A small crowd gathered mid-morning, browsing fresh-picked strawberries, pepperoni rolls and specialty cupcakes. The parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church of Tarentum was transformed with colorful flower baskets, bright-red tomatoes and just-laid eggs.

“I was getting antsy, and then I heard it was open this morning and rushed right down,” said Adele Willison, who lives down the street from the market along Lock Street.

“I got the awesome potato pancakes because they’re my son’s and husband’s favorite. I also got a nice marigold, which the rabbits will not eat.”

More than a dozen vendors filled the lot, with new sellers that include Cavanaugh Confections from Harrison and Old School Meats from New Bethlehem.

The market will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through October.

The Rev. Phil Beck, pastor at First United, said the church coordinates the market free of charge to the vendors as a service to the community.

Tarentum resident Margaret Figler eyed the fresh-picked berries and said she would be a return customer.

“I live close enough that I can walk over every week,” Figler said. “It’s nice to shop around.”

Elijah Pawloski, 8, was enjoying his first day on the job helping his father, Gabriel, at the family’s farm stand.

“It’s going pretty good so far,” said Elijah, who pivoted between customers, happy to chat about the produce grown at his home in Sarver.

Gabriel Pawloski said this year marks his sixth season at the Tarentum market. His offerings will vary week by week, depending on which crops are in season. This week, he had “a lot of good greens,” he said.

Small lines formed quickly near the sizzling fryer at the Rev. Miro Stelmaszczyk’s booth. He is famous locally for his crispy potato pancakes and other fare.

Others were eager to try deluxe pastries by Lynette Deyo of Lynette’s Mad Custom Cakes. She’s a longtime baker who recently opened a brick-and-mortar shop in New Kensington. On Wednesday, the banana cupcakes and brownies were especially popular.

Eugene Rutkowski, owner of Cracked Egg Catering Co. in Freeport, was busy tending to several chafing pans full of his specialty barbecue chicken skewers. He hoped to sell out by lunchtime.

“They’re pretty popular because of the homemade rub,” he said. “Plus, I use a touch of love.”