Sinoeun Touch and Scott Cugger buy produce and fresh flowers at the Farmers Market. They enjoy bringing their dog Wilson along for the day.
Crowds of adults, children, and even dogs (on leashes) enjoyed walking through the Doylestown Farmers Market, located on South Hamilton Street between West Oakland Avenue and West State Street, on September 14. This weekly Saturday event that takes place 8 am till 1 pm typically attracts between 1,000 and 2,000 people, many of whom are regulars.
“I come here weekly to buy my produce because it’s so fresh,” said Betsy Payn from Doylestown.
The Doylestown Farmers Market was established in 1975, making next year its 50th anniversary. Although initially founded by the Buckingham Civic Association, The Bucks County Foodshed Alliance took over its operation in 2016 and began running it in 2017.
Kelly Unger, Doylestown Farmers Market Director, explained that the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide opportunities to connect local producers with local consumers, so the Doylestown Farmers Market is an ideal venue to achieve this mission.
The Farmers Market’s goal is to support local farmers and local producers. “People come here who are interested in buying great, quality local food,” described Kelly. “They also feel good about their purchases, knowing they are supporting local businesses. (In addition) They can ask any questions about the food they are buying directly to the farmers who grew them.
“I enjoy talking to the farmers who are all delightful,” said Betsy “They tell me all about the produce that I buy.”
The Doylestown Farmers Market also benefits the farmers because it helps them stay in business.
“When the day comes that small farms like mine cease to exist, our land will most likely be transformed into housing developments, so supporting farmers here helps keep this area agricultural,” said Jay Wildemore, owner of Wildemore Farm in Chalfont.
“A lot of local farmers and producers who start coming to this Farmers Market ultimately grow so much that they outgrow the market, and that’s a huge benefit to them,” said Kelly. “That makes our Farmers Market a small business incubator.”
During the fall months, you’ll find about 15 varieties of apples, fall-flavored spreads and baked goods, fall vegetables like fall greens and cabbages, and a large variety of winter squash, just to name a few.
In addition to selling fresh fruits and vegetables, there are a variety of other items sold here such as pickles, soups, hummus, sourdough bread, candles, and even dog treats, plus much more! Since the market frequently gets new vendors, the selection often changes.
“The Doylestown Farmers Market is also a great social place for people in this community because they run into their neighbors and friends here,” said Kelly. “You can even bring your dog to the market if he or she is well behaved and on a leach.
Doylestown’s Sinoeun Touch and Scott Cugger were two of the many patrons who brought their dog to the Farmers Market.
Cindy Hollis and Jay Wildemore from Wildemore Farm display their fresh produce.
“I love the atmosphere here, seeing all the people we know since we only live two miles away.” said Scott.
“I feel good knowing we are supporting local farmers and producers,” added Sinoeun.
Alex Dadio, Doylestown Farmers Market Manager, summarized all the benefits of the market. “It’s about supporting the people in your community; it’s about helping to build up a local economy; it’s about knowing where your food comes from and who’s making it and what the ingredients are. If that’s important to you, then a Farmers Market would be important for you to patronize and support.”
Alex described how at the end of the day, thanks to the support of a grant, the Doylestown Foodshed Alliance purchases what the farmers have not sold. “So, we are benefitting the farmers by not sending them home with excess produce and then we donate that food to low-income seniors at Grundy Hall in Doylestown.”
The Doylestown Farmers Market opens every year on the third week in April and stays open till the third week in November. During December, January and February, the Doylestown Farmers Market is held indoors at the Central Bucks Activity Center located at 700 N. Shady Retreat Rd., Doylestown.
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor at the Doylestown Farmers Market, reach out to Alex at dtownmarketmanager@gmail.com. For more information about the Farmers Market, visit doylestownfarmersmarket.bucksfoodshed.org.