Karen Daystar (left) with a bouquet of flowers and another attendee at the MillheimFarmers Market. Photo by Leslie Zuck

by Chris Ulmer

No two farmers markets in Centre County are exactly alike.

The Bellefonte Farmers Market, located in front of the county courthouse Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until noon, is one of the oldest in the area.

In the the 1930s, it was nothing more than a curb market running down a portion of Allegheny Street. Today it fills three sides of the square and is one of the most established farmers markets in the area.

“From August to September you can purchase sweet corn, tomatoes, pork, goat, beef, lamb and many other products,” said president Whitney Duley.

“In recent years the Bellefonte farmers market has become a producer-only market,” she said. Vendors can only sell goods they produce themselves, which is not the case at every market.

The Bellefonte farmers market has a homegrown feel and a loyal following.

“I have been coming to this market for a couple of years now,” said Lavina Stoltzfus, a farmer. “I enjoy it a lot; it is nice, quiet and close to home.”

The Boalsburg Farmers Market is festive. Held at the Boalsburg Military Museum Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., the market is decorated with music and war memorabilia and often features live performers.

“This farmers market is more family orientated,” said Megan Coopey, a local farmer. “There is much more space for families and pets. Much of the year there is a band playing here. It makes you feel like you are doing more than just sitting or standing around.”

“We have some of the best produce this time of year. We also have some of the best tomatoes you can find,” said Bill Callahan of Cow-a-Hen Farm, a vender at the market. “Boalsburg is much busier than any other farmers market.”

While Boalsburg and Bellefonte are both established farmer markets, the Downtown State College Farmers Market, located on Locust Lane Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., is still developing its character and clientele.

“This is a young farmers market that is becoming popular,” said vendor Bette Toth. “We are promoting downtown State College while trying to build a reputation for this market such as the one of Boalsburg.”

The location draws pedestrians, and that can be a mixed blessing, said Toth.

“There is a lot of foot traffic in this area,” she said. “But students always cut through the market.”

On the upside, farmers looking for a new venue to sell their wares have a better chance to participate.

“This is an easy market to get into since it is fairly new,” said Sam Swarney, who sells his produce there. “Many of the [other] local farmer markets are full.”

This market does one thing the others don’t: it puts local fruits, vegetables and baked goods within walking distance of Penn State students.

The Millheim Farmers Market, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, is one of the most popular in the county.

“This market is different because it is in a very rural area which is surrounded by farms,” said Brian Futhey of Stone Meadow Farm. “Most markets are in urban areas but this market has survived in spite of this.”

The Millheim market also features a garden used to teach attendees about growing food. Some of the recent lessons included how to build raised beds, different planting methods and gardening tips.

Other area farmers markets include the North Atherton Farmer’s Market, held in the Home Depot parking lot on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the Village Green Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month in Julian, Pa.; and the Old Gregg School Winter Market in Spring Mills, which is closed for the season.

Every farmers market in this area reflects the town in which it is held. Not only are local residents supporting local farmers and finding fresh produce by attending these markets, they are also discovering the different flavor each place has to offer.

The farmers and farmers markets will be featured during the Central Pennsylvania local food week and farm tour at the beginning of August.