Vendors offering a diverse assortment of local produce, specialty goods
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, The Times
Residents shop for produce from local vendors during a recent Coatesville Farmers Market, which has run every Saturday since June 9.
Blueberries to kohlrabi, German black bread studded with oats and pumpkin seeds to Morning Mojo coffee – it’s all available at the Coatesville Farmers Market.
The market, which debuted June 9, will be open on Saturdays through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gateway Park, at the intersection of Route 82 and Lincoln Highway. Visitors will have an opportunity to exercise by strolling or biking along the newly-opened paved Riverwalk and then to continue their healthful lifestyles by purchasing fresh produce and specialty goods from a variety of area vendors.
“This past week, our third week, was our best yet,” said Yvonne Post, the market’s organizer. “Every one of our vendors sold out.”
Post, the co-founder of Cooking for Real, a company dedicated to cooking and nutrition education, said vendors will be well-stocked this coming Saturday.
Residents were able to purchase a wide variety of produce and other products, such as these baked goods from the Wonderful Good Market at Stoudt’s Brewery.
So far, businesses have included Rex Farms Orchard, MacDougall’s Irish Victory Cake, Jacob Beiler, and the Wonderful Good Market at Stoudt’s Brewery. Hobo Ed’s Raillyard Roastery is even offering Coatesville Community Coffee, a fund-raising effort to support the market that has proven to be popular, Post said. The market also features booths from community partners, such as the Chester County Health Department and the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County.
Post said some vendors will rotate in and out – for example, MacDougall’s comes every other week. Priority is given to local vendors, she said, adding that the public can sign up to receive a weekly email that lists the week’s offerings by contacting coatesvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com. Post said a recent addition, Nomadic Pies, which features quiches, savory meat pies and fruit pies baked by a Coatesville woman, was a big hit, selling out in less than two hours.
Henderson High School students Luke Griese Christian Yost and Owen Kerslake entertain attendees as the Brandywine River Boys.
Vendor Deborah Streeter-Davitt has been taking her business, MacDougall’s Irish Victory Cake, to farmers markets for two and a half years.
“We’re thrilled to be at the farmers market; it’s an awesome location, Coatesville,” said Streeter-Davitt. “We give back to the community and the community gives back to us…we’re just so glad to be here.”
According to Post, efforts to start a farmers market in Coatesville began two years ago when Post combined efforts with the county’s Health Department and brought the matter before city council.
“There’s never been, that I know of, a farmers market that a county health department actually sponsored and funded and participated all along the way,” said Post. “My first job was here in Coatesville and I fell in love with the community and thought we need to build things in this community,”
Post plans to have the farmers market continue until October, although she is seeking an indoor venue to hold the market during winter months. According to Post, future farmers markets will feature outreach programs from nonprofit organizations, food demos and educational programs. The market is set up to accept debit and credit cards as well as EBT/SNAP/ACCESS and FMNP assistance, Post said.
“We want to grow this market from the community up,” said Post. “Basically our mission is to bring fresh local fruits, vegetables and products to the people of Coatesville.”
