Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future
From National Farmers’ Market Week to Our 20th Anniversary
Last week, our market joined farmers’ markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week. While I didn’t have the chance to plan a big celebration this year — we’ve had a full summer of incredible events! — it was still a joy to see familiar faces, meet new shoppers, and watch our community connect over fresh, local food.
Now that we’re halfway through the season, I’ve realized that Tuesdays have become my steadiest, most joy-filled day of the week. I know who I’ll see, what I’ll eat, and the community I’ll experience. I’ve never had “regulars” before, and it’s one of the best parts of this job. Through the incredible FAM program — which helps make fresh food accessible for neighbors who need it — I’ve gotten to know so many familiar faces. And with all the activities we’ve hosted at the booth this season, I’ve met families and kids who stop by week after week. Whether I know their names or not, I love seeing their smiles and watching them grow over the summer.
This week also marks the start of something I am very excited about: in 2026, the Bethel Park Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 20th anniversary! To mark this milestone, we’re opening up the design for our extremely popular market canvas tote to you, our community. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine — whether you’ve got bold graphic ideas, hand-drawn flair, or something totally unexpected, we’d love to showcase a design that reflects the market we all love. (Contest rules and details here: 20th Anniversary Design Contest)
To our vendors — thank you for showing up week after week, rain or shine, with your best goods and your biggest smiles. And to our shoppers — thank you for supporting local agriculture, small businesses, and this market’s place in our community. Your presence and enthusiasm are what keep us growing.
We’ve got more summer markets ahead, and I’m already looking forward to spending the winter months dreaming and planning for our biggest season yet in 2026. In the meantime, I hope to see you at the market next Tuesday — come shop, say hello, and maybe even start sketching your tote design!
