New season of Plum's Monday Market in Plum Creek Park has begun

Plum’s Monday Market kicked off its season at Plum Creek Park with a plethora of vendors and a variety of offerings.

Opening day for the market, near the ball fields along New Texas Road, was Monday, June5.

It was sunny shopping for Cheryl Stezoski of Plum, who picked up some produce from Bridge’s Farm and some barbeque from the Fat Baby Grille food truck.

“If I don’t have to cook, it’s a good time,” Stezoski said.

Bridge’s Farm in Plum is run by husband-and-wife duo Jim and Kay Bridge. They are the primary produce provider at the market.

Their first-day display featured strawberries, asparagus and tomatoes, along with a variety of flowers and other plants.

Fat Baby Grille of Irwin is one of the newest vendors. It’s run by Plum native Dennis McTeir.

McTeir said he’s friends with several of the market vendors and was happy to be a part of an event in his old borough.

“Almost anything I can get in Plum, I like to come back,” he said.

His pulled pork sandwiches are nearly double the size of what people may find at other markets.

Those with a sweet tooth had plenty of options, including honey from Morning Glory Farms; chocolates from Tom’s Candy; ice cream from Sweets for the Street; elderberry beverages by Four Soils Farm; and baked goods from Mary Jane’s Kitchen.

Bentley’s Doggie Bistro had treats and other goods for animal lovers.

The market is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. every Monday through Sept. 25.

Event coordinator Mona Costanza said they currently have eight vendors registered. All Monday Market vendors will be invited to Plum’s Farmer’s Market at FallFest, to be held Sept. 30 at a location to be determined.

“We will also have a different food truck each week, giving residents the opportunity to pick-up dinner on their way home from work.”

Opening day attendance was sparse compared previous Monday Markets.

Costanza said the borough has done everything it can to get the word out, and believes business will pick up in the coming weeks.

“Advertising the Monday Market is challenging,” she said. “We do post information on all our social media sites and in print with signs throughout the community, in local newspapers and in INPlum magazine, but I often hear that people don’t know about the market.

“We will continue to work on getting the word out about the market and hope to bring in more foot traffic for our vendors. I’d like to remind residents the importance of shopping local. Not only does it support small business owners, but it’s an investment in your community.”

Costanza said there is room to grow, and it may move to a new location later this year.

“We originally were planning to have the market at the Plum Municipal Complex at 2000 Old Mine Road,” Costanza said. “However, they are still under construction with the amphitheater, splash pad and ice rink. At some point, the market will move to complex.”

Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com or via Twitter .