The Ligonier Country Market is coming to Latrobe — for one season, at least.
Latrobe City Council voted 5-1 Monday night to approve an agreement with the market, which has been in search of home since the beginning of the year.
“I’m just very grateful to the city for giving us this opportunity,” said Claudine DePaul, president of the market’s board of directors.
“This move allows us to continue supporting the vendors, farmers, and small businesses that are truly the heart of the Market while bringing this tradition into a community that values connection, hospitality and local businesses,” said DePaul, who also serves as a retail advertising manager for TribLive.
Historically, the market has been a major regional draw at its longtime home on the Loyalhanna Watershed Association property in Ligonier Township. The event has attracted between 3,000 and 5,000 shoppers on peak Saturdays, making it one of the largest outdoor markets in Western Pennsylvania.
The Loyalhanna Watershed Association terminated the market’s lease in January. Greensburg declined the market’s request to operate there.
Councilman Eric Hauser cast the lone vote against the market. Councilman Lenor Rivera was not present.
Those both for and against the market filled the city council chambers Monday night. Council heard from residents, business owners and market vendors.
Supporters emphasized the opportunity the market could bring to the city.
“We’re talking about what brings people and families to the community, and it’s events like this,” said Chris Sylvania, owner of Carmine’s Pizza & Pasta in Latrobe. “And it’s not just people coming to buy a dream-catcher, it’s people coming and seeing just how wonderful this town is.”
Stacy Cunningham lives in Latrobe and her business, Scents by Stacy, is one of the market’s vendors.
“On Saturdays, look outside and drive through town — there’s nobody,” Cunningham said. “There are a ton of young families who come to the Ligonier Country Market and I’m sure they’d be willing to come spend the afternoon here in Latrobe, at the market and at our local businesses.”
The market’s agreement with the city runs through late September. Market officials will reimburse the cost of police and public works overtime.
DePaul said they will also pay a one-time fee to the city, but did not disclose the amount.
Among the terms of the agreement:
• The market will operate from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 23 through Sept. 26, with the exception of June 6, July 4 and Aug. 22.
• There will be no more than 125 vendors, with spaces no larger than 12-by-24-feet.
• Market organizers will set up and remove three portable public toilets each time the market is in session.
• Market organizers will submit a parking plan to the city manager and police chief 72 hours before each event.
• Vendors at the city’s Tuesday farmers market will have an opportunity to participate in the Ligonier Country Market at a reduced rate.
Sean O’Barto of Latrobe didn’t mince words.
“Shutting down Ligonier Street on Saturdays sounds like it will be a nightmare for the people who live there,” O’Barto said. “I don’t want to not have a parking spot when I come home from work because someone wants to come and buy knick-knacks. I don’t mean for that to sound rude, but that’s the reality.”
Duke Rishel of Jennerstown, one of the market vendors, said the market is a well-organized event.
“If you’re worried about a circus coming to your town, this isn’t it,” Rishel said.
Councilwoman Dawn Vavick said she struggled with her decision on the market.
“I feel like my voice is supposed to be for the people we represent, and people in town have told us, at meetings and in the survey we conducted, that they want this to happen,” she said. “Is it going to be a little inconvenient? Perhaps. Are there going to be growing pains? Yes.”
Additional details regarding the 2026 Market season will be announced on the market’s social media channels and website.