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Craving some fresh fruits and vegetables? Or maybe you’d like to get some homemade products, listen to live music and enjoy free samples? Millersville’s Farmers Market will continue to take place on the plaza of the University’s Student Memorial Center (SMC) every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. through Sept. 28. Millersville’s Marauder Market will begin August 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and continue through May 2, 2012.
“The market is going very well,” said Amy Yocom, Millersville Farmers Market coordinator. “We are still getting the word out about the market to the community and Millersville University faculty, staff and students, so we hope to have even more people come by in the future.”
What originally started in the parking lot of George Street Café grew too large for the lot and now includes 12-15 vendors in its new location on the plaza of the SMC. Vendors offer fresh local and organic produce, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, meats, free range eggs, herbs, onions, jams and more. There are also eco-friendly vendors with cloth diapers, handmade baby items, natural cleaning products and live plants, along with jewelry and accessories. Drinks are also available for purchase and the SMC’s smoothie bar is open during market hours.
“Each week we offer live music, cooking demonstrations by local chefs and free samples,” said Yocom. “There is also a Millersville student assistant market manager and student interns and volunteers who help to set up and run the market. The students have been great assets to the market’s feasibility and sustainability.” Students involved are Caitlin Brady, assistant market manager; Caroline Singh, John Diehl and Kagiso Lekoa, market interns; and Patterson Taibi, student volunteer.
A new addition to the market is the ability to pay with debit cards as well as SNAP/EBT. Also new this year is prepared foods to enjoy at market or take home.
“I like the selection and recently I’ve gone specifically for blueberries, corn, cucumbers and tomatoes,” said Dr. Susan DiBartolomeis, biology. “I also bought things that I didn’t expect, such as pesto sauce and dandelion jelly, sold by the Yocoms, and a lavender plant that is blooming beautifully and smells wonderful! I’ve eaten some very tasty free samples, and I enjoy the music. Sellers are very nice, and I don’t feel pressured.”
Shoppers are invited to walk or ride their bicycles to the market. Those who drive a vehicle are asked to park in the Ann Street parking lot, located off of Frederick St. Vendors who are interested in participating in Marauder Market should contact Angela Simmons, director of the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, at 717-872-3506 or Angela.Simmons@millersville.edu.
