STRAWBERRY FEST AT THE MARKET HELD SATURDAY, JUNE 17 IN DOWNTOWN SHARON
City of Sharon PA
Official page of the City of Sharon, PA. Located in western PA midway between Pittsburgh and Erie on the Ohio border.
FEST TO GIVE A PREVIEW OF NEW LOCATION FOR DOWNTOWN SHARON FARMERS MARKET
?DOWNTOWN SHARON FARMERS MARKET SEASON KICKS OFF SATURDAY, JULY 8
?SHARON, PA – Getting hungry for farmers market season? Then get a ‘taste’ of it at the Strawberry Fest at the Market 8 AM – 1 PM this Saturday, June 17 at the Downtown Sharon Farmer’s Market new location next to Quaker Steak & Lube, 101 Chestnut Ave, near the Sharon roundabout. The Strawberry Fest will feature fresh strawberries provided by Ferris Farms Produce along with strawberry treats by Allie’s Sweet Tooth, artisan vendors, live music, kids activities by Sharon Robotics and more!
?“The farmers market made the decision to move to a more visible location near Quaker Steak & Lube as it continues to grow and expand,” said Courtney Cilli, Downtown Events Coordinator for the City of Sharon. The city partners with the market, providing programming, artisan & food truck vendors, live music, resources tables and sponsors. “We believe that part of a vibrant downtown includes a dynamic farmers marketplace for the community to gather,” added Cilli.?
The Strawberry Fest at the Market was created to celebrate strawberry season but also to give the community a preview of the upcoming market season and a chance to visit the new market location.
The Downtown Sharon Farmers Market season kicks off Saturday, July 8 – 8 AM – 1 PM; and 3:30 – 6:30 PM Wednesday July 12 and runs through October.
?New this year is The Power of Produce for youth 17 and under. With the program, youth attending the market can get a $1 token and use it to purchase fruit and vegetables. “We realized that the Sharon Backpack program doesn’t run during the summer (a program by Community Food Warehouse to help at-risk youth with food insecurity) so we thought this could help provide a healthy snack for kids during the summer along with connecting them to agricultural concepts at the market,” said Sherris Moreira, Director of Downtown Development, adding that the program comes from the Farmers Market Coalition through a membership via Ferris Farms Produce of New Wilmington. “Ferris Farms has been a great partner with us as we develop programming for our community at the market,” said Moreira.
?Other community programming includes a school supply collection for Sharon students in August; A collection for animal charities in September and a coat drive in October, all coordinated with market sponsor Banjak Heating & Cooling. “We think it’s important that the market not only be a community gathering place but that it also provides support for the community it’s located in,” explained Cilli, adding that dates will be announced in July for these special collection opportunities.
?As for Saturday, Strawberry Fest at the Market will give a sweet taste of things to come with the Downtown Sharon Farmers Market including all things strawberry by Ferris Farms, who will also be bringing canned goods, plants, Amish Donuts, and other produce. Strawberry sweets will be supplied by Allie’s Sweet Tooth out of Mercer, and OH Donuts food truck, both of which plan to attend many of the Downtown Sharon Farmers Market once the season starts in July. Fresh juices will be available for purchase from Forever Green Farm out of New Castle. Live music will be provided by local musician Steve Vuich with children’s activities provided by The Sharon Robotics Team. Other vendors include Robin’s Refills of Hermitage; Hunny B Products of Hubbard, OH among others. Plus a brief visit with a special mascot at 9 AM!
领英推荐
?Future plans include inviting community resource organizations to set up at the market as well as grow the market to incorporate more micro-farmers and artisan vendors.
?Special thanks to the Downtown Sharon Farmers Market sponsors including Banjak Heating & Cooling, Sharon; HHSDR, Sharon; Mercer County Community FCU; Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation; The City of Sharon; The Shenango Valley Foundation and the Winner Foundation. For sponsorship info, contact Courtney Cilli.
?For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/SharonFarmersMkt
?For additional quotes or details, call Courtney Cilli at 724.456.9634 or Jeanice Ferris Britvich at 724.971.0888
?TO: All Media Contacts
CONTACT: Sherris Moreira; (724) 381.4782; [email protected]
DATE: June 16, 2023