Summer farmers and artists market to begin Saturday
?CONNELLSVILLE — The city’s downtown will offer a wide variety of activities Saturday and Sunday as the area celebrates the holiday weekend.
Beginning at 8?a.m. Saturday, the Fayette County Cultural Trust in partnership with Fay-Penn Economic Economic Council Buy Local Network program and other businesses and organizations, will sponsor a Farmers and Artists Market along Meadow Lane, between West Crawford Avenue and Church Alley.
In addition to fresh produce from Duda’s Farm Inc., Sand Hill Berries jellies and jams, Backyard Gardens mustards and sauces, the trust will have herbs and plants for sale and distribute summer recipes using fresh produce to attendees. Other vendors will also offer information and other items.
“We have partnered with a number of organizations this year to offer a wider variety of products and opportunities from our area businesses,” said Michael Edwards, trust president.
The Trail Town Outreach Corps (TTOC) will be offering recycling information throughout the morning with artist Christopher McClanahan displaying his metal sculptures. Also, handmade leather purses by Jamie Murphy will be available and the Catholic Daughters of America will have a booth, said Emma Strong, TTOC member.
Strong added that the El Canelo, located across the street from the market, will offer fried Youghiogheny Mud ice cream at the Mexican restaurant beginning at 11?a.m. The chocolate, fudge and brownie ice cream is a TTOC initiative.
Edwards said that the Saturday markets, that will continue through Sept. 3, are being made possible through the assistance of Connellsville City Council and Downtown Connellsville, the city’s Main Street program.
Through a PNC Foundation grant, the trust was able to purchase tents and tables for market participants, he added.
“Businesses, too, have come forward to promote the downtown,” said Edwards.
Flyers with discount coupons for local businesses will be distributed to those visiting the market. Early birds will receive an extra bonus, according to organizers. The first 20 customers to show their Buy Local card will receive five Buy Local Bucks to use when making their market purchases.
The Community Discount Card can be purchased at the market for $7 and used at more than 100 businesses throughout Fayette County.
Strong, meanwhile, said that the TTOC extends an invitation to backyard gardeners and farmers, along with organizations and churches to participate in the weekly event.
For more information, call 724-603-3151 or email Strong at emmaestrong@gmail.com.
On Sunday, the holiday weekend will continue with a free concert at Lions Square featuring local musician Ben Haines. The concert will begin at 7?p.m. At dusk, the Connellsville Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a fireworks display. Throughout the concert, the Lions Club refreshment stand will be open and the chamber will offer sno-cones, root beer floats and cotton candy for purchase.
Lions Square is located on West Crawford Avenue.