Locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, ice cream, special attractions and much more await those headed to the Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market.
The summer weekly event is held every Thursday through Sept. 1 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Charlann Farm, 586 Stony Hill Road in the township.
It’s the 16th year for the farmers’ market, which has been held at various locations, the last three years at Charlann, whose owners allow the market to use their property at no charge. Farmers’ market manager Heather James and longtime volunteer Irene Johnston said people who come like the idea of buying locally sourced goods.
“And I think they like the chance to talk to the people who are actually growing the fruits and vegetables and making the products. It’s nice to do that,” James said.
In some previous years, the market featured produce from several local farms, but James said she was only able to get Charlann to participate this year. However, the host farm provides a good selection of produce every week, she added.
At the June 30 market, a big crowd drawn in large part by a petting zoo held that day checked out peaches, beets, snap peas, tomatoes and other produce. Starting July 7, corn and, quite likely, zucchini squash and peppers will be added to the selections, James said.
“We came for the petting zoo but I’ll pick up some vegetables before we leave,” Lower Makefield resident Kathleen Sayers said at the June 30 market. “Local things are nice.”
Township resident Stacey Bannon said she and her family are regular attendees.
“We try to come as often as we can to support the local vendors,” she said.
Among the other regular vendors are Donna’s Delicious Delights featuring Italian cookies and other goodies, the Crooked Eye Brewery and Burek by Zeni with pastries and other Mediterranean specialties.
James said the periodic special events like the petting zoo draw the biggest crowds at the market. Coming up on July 21, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., is a “Birds of Prey” show with falcons and other winged creatures providing entertainment. On Aug. 11, Miss Marilyn will sing her children’s songs and on Aug. 18, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., there will be a reptiles attraction featuring snakes that can be held and other highlights.
There is no admission charge to the market. For information, visit charlannfarms.com or the Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market Facebook page.
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