Ahhh, summer at the market! Sunshine and ample rains have resulted in a wonderful abundance of seasonal favorites. You’ll find tasty, ripe tomatoes; beans, beets, and potatoes in a variety of colors; peppers, both sweet and hot; freshly cut herbs and flowers; summer squash; garlic and onions; sweet corn, and much more, as each vendor brings their freshest and best offerings to the market.
Visit the Slippery Rock Community Farmers and Makers Market from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon, every Saturday through the end of October at Rock Falls Park, along route 173, two miles south of Slippery Rock. Activities for children and local musicians are also featured on various Saturdays.
All produce sold at the market is locally grown, often using organic or environmentally-friendly practices. (Growers are happy to answer questions or talk with customers about their growing methods.) Some vendors also offer freshly-baked breads, pastries, fudge, jams and jellies, or eggs. A variety of home and body care products, jewelry, decorative and gift items, and even pet treats and toys are hand-made by regional artists and crafters. While some vendors are “regulars,” appearing every week, others come to market as their seasonal products are available, or in rotation with other markets and events. Come often to see what’s available each week.
In August, look for:
- David Byler of Riverside Farm near New Castle, who offers ultra-sweet, organically-grown corn.
- Joe Repucci of Big Rock Farm near Boyers, with his specialties: freshly harvested garlic, onions and potatoes.
- Barnhart’s Blueberries of Chicora: While it may be a bit late for their blueberries, they grow shiitake mushrooms, as well as a variety of tasty, colorful, summer vegetables.
- Common Sage (Joan Hutzley) of Butler, who brings bedding plants, flowers, vegetables, herbs, and hopes to soon be harvesting honey from her own beehives.
- Normand Homestead of Slippery Rock, with fresh vegetables; fresh-baked breads, granola bars and pastries; goat milk fudge; and soaps, lotions, balms and other body care products.
- Sutton Farms of Butler, who appear at market about every other week with their own grass-finished beef.
- Fairy Gifted, The Merry Faun, From the Earth, Paws in the Sand, and DelRay.S, who offer hand-crafted items as their summer event schedules allow. Jewelry, suncatchers, candles, bookmarks, pet treats and other unique items appear from these vendors and other artisans through the market season.