Amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Pittston, an array of vibrant colors and fresh aromas marks the return of the Pittston City Farmers Market. This event, eagerly anticipated by locals, transforms the area into a hub of fresh produce, artisanal baked goods, and an array of locally-grown flowers.
This summer marks the opening of the Pittston City Farmers Market, which brings the farm-to-table concept to life with fresh items like snap peas and peaches. Logan Brace from Brace’s Orchard in Dallas shared, “These peaches were picked yesterday. They’re brought to market this morning. They were chilled in the cooler overnight, and somebody will be eating them this afternoon at home.”
Rachel Rovinski, a nutrition educator with the Commission on Economic Opportunity and Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, emphasized the market’s role in making healthy produce more accessible. She also noted its acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds, aiding in affordability.
Rovinski showcased a no-cook gazpacho recipe using market ingredients like bell pepper, cucumber, and tomato. “Whatever the farmers have, we kind of tie that recipe in,” Rovinski explained. “It’s a cold soup, so it’s easy, and it’s full of antioxidants and vitamin minerals. You get your vegetables in as well.” Emily Barth from Hoppy’s Produce noticed immediate interest, with a customer purchasing ingredients for the gazpacho right after the demonstration.
‘People are like plants’
The market’s opening day saw a strong turnout despite earlier agricultural challenges. Extreme heat and dry conditions earlier this year had impacted local farmers. Harold Golomb of Golomb’s Farm and Greenhouses remarked, “Plants are like people when they’re under stress, they don’t perform well. With this moisture now and the return to more average temps, things should really take off and grow.”
For many, attending the market is about more than just shopping. Seasonal recipes, such as chicken noodle soup with fresh carrots, are a favorite for attendees like three-year-old Jack Volch, who eagerly selected fresh carrots.
The Pittston City Farmers Market operates weekly on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 71 S. Main St., and it will remain open until November 24.
Other farmers markets across the region
- Abington Farmers Market
South Abington Recreation Park, 642 Northern Blvd., South Abington Twp.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mid-July through October - Berwick Farmers Market
400 Fowler Ave., Berwick
Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon
June 27 through Oct. 31 - Carbondale Farmers Market
185 Fallbrook St., Carbondale
Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Year-round - Danville Growers Market
620 Mill St., Danville
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon
May through November - Hawley Farmers Market
Summer market (May-October), Bingham Park, Main Avenue, Hawley
Fridays, 2 to 5 p.m.
Winter Market (November-April) at The Hawley Hub, 318 Main Ave., Hawley
Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. - Hometown Farmers Market
125 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua
Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Year-round - Lewisburg Farmers Market
499 Fairground Road, Lewisburg
Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Year-round - Milford Farmers Market
501 West Harford St., Milford
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Newfoundland Farmers Market
Carlton Drake Memorial Park, 994 Main St., Newfoundland
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May through October - Poconos Farmers Market
5185 Route 115, Blakeslee
Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m to 4 p.m. - Shamokin Farmers Market
Independence Street, downtown Shamokin
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Scranton Co-Op Farmers Market
900 Barring Ave., Scranton
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
July 17 through Nov. 25 - Southside Farmers Market
CEDAR Center, 526 Cedar Ave., Scranton
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Year-round - Tunkhannock Farmers Market at Creekside Gardens
4 Village Lane, Tunkhannock
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 13 to Oct. 31 - Wayne County Farmers Market
200 Willow Ave., Honesdale
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
May through October - Wilkes-Barre City Farmers Market
Public Square, Wilkes-Barre
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 18 through Nov. 12 - Williamsport Growers Market
249 Little League Blvd, Williamsport
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., late April through November; 9 a.m. to noon, December through mid-April
