Boyertown Farmers Market serves as a community hub

Every summer for the past three years, Building a Better Boyertown has hosted its annual Boyertown Farmers Market.

“It has definitely grown since the first year.  We are in our third year and average around 150-200 people at each market,” Building a Better Boyertown Main Street Manager Ellen Martignetti said in a statement.

Set up in the parking lot of the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles June 6 to Sept. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month, the market provides the community with a farmers market in the downtown area with walkable access to fresh foods from local farmers, specialty food makers and artisan crafters.

“Our market serves as a community hub where people can gather, socialize and engage with local farmers and artisans,” Martignetti said. “The market offers locally grown food, often harvested at peak ripeness, which enhances flavor and nutritional value.”

The market also benefits local farmers.

“Our market is a great place for them to reach and build a broader customer base,” Martignetti said. “Our vendors can talk directly with their customers and educate them on their farming practices. All of our vendors are small-business owners and we are proud to help them grow their business (no pun intended!).”

The market offers more than food to create a fun experience for families.

“We have really created a nice evening out for everyone,” Martignetti said. “Every market has a food truck and live music between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.  You can do your shopping, eat dinner and listen to music. Each market has a special theme night which makes it fun for families.”

The annual Dog Days of Summer market held on July 18 is the most popular.

“BaBB partners with our local pet store, Zimmers Pets for this event. We have a pet costume contest, basket raffle, and free product samples from pet-supply vendors,” she said.

On Aug. 1, the market hosted Boyertown first responders for a Touch-a-Truck event, featuring a display of vehicles from Boyertown Area Fire and Rescue, Berks Eastern Regional Police Department and Boyertown Community Ambulance.

“We had a lot of families and children attend,” Martignetti said.

The theme on Aug. 15 highlights “Little Entrepreneurs.”

“We will host vendors under age 15 to sell their crafts,” she said.

Sept. 5 is a pop-up mini car show.

“The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is kind enough to let us use their parking lot for the market,” Martignetti said. “We want to show the car fans some love!”

The last market on Sept. 19 highlights agriculture and animals.

“We are partnering with Just Farm Kids Tractor Club and will have live animals to pet,” Martignetti said.

For the latest market updates such as dates, vendors, themes, food truck and music lineup, follow the Boyertown Farmers Market on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Boyertownfarmersmarket or visit https://www.buildingabetterboyertown.org/market.