Jun 8, 2014 3 min read

I must say that, even though I dislike the summer, I have enjoyed the last couple of weekends laying by the pool and swimming with Hartley. The girl has taken to the water like a little fish. I’m trying to spend as much time as possible with her now before farmers market season is upon us, and I get extra busy.

As you know, Fay-Penn Economic Development Council sponsors four farmers markets in Fayette County — Uniontown, Connellsville, Brownsville, and Masontown; one in Westmoreland County in Scottdale and we support one in Greensboro in Greene County. These markets began in 2010 and have continued to do well and improve each year.

And, most of these markets not only have some of the best tasting fruits and vegetables you’ll ever eat, but there also are other vendors that have baked goods, meats, honey, jams and jellies, flowers, hot foods and more. Remember, the first 15 people that show their Buy Local Card at any of the markets gets $5 in Buy Local Bucks that they canuse at any vendor at the market. So, basically you are being handed money that you can use to buy anything at the market.

Fay-Penn then redeems the farmers at the end of each market. It’s a great incentive to get out to the market and try the amazing foods that are there. There’s also something pretty neat about being able to talk to the person that grew what you’re eating. You can know exactly how they grew it and what if any pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, etc. may have been used in the process.

Greensboro Farmers Market has already started and is held on Saturdays from 9 to 12:30 at Gazebo Park. The other markets start the week after July 4. You can find a full schedule at buylocalfayette.org. We have some new vendors that will be attending the markets this year including several individuals that just grow enormous gardens at home. We also are still looking for additional vendors, so if you are interested in learning more about being a seller, call Jennifer at 724-437-7913 or email her at jenniferk@faypenn.org.

Don’t forget that Greene County also has a year-round farmers market – Fencerow Farmers Market in Waynesburg. They source all of their items within a 100-mile radius, and they always have a supply of whatever is in season. The goal of the VFW project that Fay-Penn is planning in downtown Uniontown is to supply downtown Uniontown and Fayette County residents with locally-made and sourced food and products. Even though the projects won’t be completed for at least a year or two, it will certainly be able to answer a need in the area.

It’s starting to be a busy summer. Next week’s column will be written from sunny California where I’ll be attending the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies conference. Email me at loris@faypenn.org with your local thoughts.