|
Revitalization efforts growing
bigger, better Farmers’ Market in Ellwood City
September 15, 2009
Contact:
W. Barensfeld (724)758-5501
Margie Boffo (724)651-7381
Revitalization has hit the Ellwood City Farmers’ Market hard. So hard,
in fact, that patrons are mingling, meeting friends, listening to music
–live music! – and discussing plans for their purchases.
It is mid-morning on a gorgeous Saturday in September. The opening bell
has already sounded the official 8:00AM opening of the market, located
in the city’s Beaver Avenue parking lot behind Lawrence Avenue
storefronts.
Connie Cunningham, a market regular, has canned the tomatoes she
selected at the market earlier in the season. She explains her recipe
which also includes sauteed peppers and onions. Today she is shopping
for red bell peppers. “I’m going to make a red pepper relish and I’ll
also stuff and freeze some of them,” she states.
She could very easily meet the requirements for a “foodie,” a term that
the Farmers’ Market Committee members call themselves, according to
Cindy Morabito. “Our goal is to support local produce by giving our
residents the opportunity to buy fresh. By encouraging people to buy
local, we are bringing the community back to our
Downtown,”she states. That, she says, is one of the major goals of the
Ellwood City Revitalization project, which has been underway now for
several years. “We want people to meet, greet and mingle,” she adds.
Although the Farmers’ Market has existed in Ellwood City for many years,
the efforts of the Revitalization group have brought in an impressive
list of local vendors who now offer a large variety of freshly-picked
veggies and fruit, herbs, honey, organic meats and poultry, homemade
sausage, Amish pastries and cheeses, freshly-baked bread, as well as
unusual non-food items such as yarn produced from the fleece of alpacas,
raised locally at the Stramba farm.
Another regular at the market, Chris Ringer of Wampum, is in search of
plum tomatoes. “My husband and I have been making salsa. When he made
it, though, it was so hot we had to keep adding tomatoes,” she explains.
Salsa, she adds, has no points in Weight Watchers! “We’re here almost
every week. We like the fact that it’s local and easily accessible,” she
states.
Revitalization efforts growing bigger, better Farmers’ Market in Ellwood
City (Cont’d.)
Revitalization committee members have added a unique touch to the market
– the sound of music. Each week, several local bands and musicians
serenade shoppers during market hours, perhaps contributing to the
ever-growing crowds.
Future plans for the local market include cooking demonstrations and an
expanded craft booth. Within the near future, the market area will be
under roof with booths for each of the vendors. The design plans are
currently in progress while the Revitalization group continues its
fundraising efforts to secure the necessary monies.
In the spring of 2010, construction will begin on a plaza in the
downtown area adjacent to the Farmers’ Market. The Revitalization group
plans to host community events to bring residents into the downtown area
and ultimately spur the local economy.
Ambitious plans for a little town,yes, but backed by a determined group
of residents who refuse to let the town die. For now, though, don’t miss
the jalapena peppers at the market. They make the most delicious
poppers. And the eggplant….simply divine.
See you next Saturday at the Ellwood City Farmers’ Market.
Note:
Farmers and vendors interested in participating in the Farmers’ Market
for the 2010 season should contact the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce,
(724)758-5501, or email ecfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
|
Recent News:
Chang Eye Group
prepares to relocate
May 26, 2009
ALL
NEWS ARTICLES
HOME |
