A small but determined group worked Tuesday to prepare for the first Ligonier Valley Farmers Market, set for June 13.
“We just want Ligonier to shine,” said Angel Tunstall, 57, who raked grass, joined by her dog, Aspen.
“I’m excited about a Ligonier Valley market happening,” she said, expressing hopes vendors and local businesses will benefit. “I think it’s vital that we all get on the same page.”
The market will carry on the legacy of a market at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association’s property while shaking things up. The Ligonier Country Market announced Monday evening it will be held in Latrobe this summer after decades of operating at the Ligonier Township site.
“People here are pretty passionate about this property,” said Brian Jones, the watershed association’s project manager. “I’m just excited we’re able to have something here.”
Watershed Executive Director Susan Huba said the association was planning to plant sunflowers on their 9-acre plot of land since they weren’t anticipating activity on the site this year. Jones had to round up volunteers quickly to prepare the land for the summer’s coming activities after their plans to start a new market solidified.
“People came out here to rake grass this morning because it’s important to them,” Huba said.
Though few in number, the volunteers enthusiastically went about their work clearing the grounds, ensuring the day’s brewing rain showers wouldn’t interfere with their efforts.
“It’s a community,” Jones said. “Ligonier’s like family.”
What to expect
The market will be divided into two main areas for shoppers to explore — a larger produce and agricultural products market at 6 Old Lincoln Highway West and a smaller artisan crafts market at the Thistledown at Seger House boutique hotel, at 221 W. Main St.
Starting June 13, the market will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday until September.
Adam Gardner, 59, volunteered his hotel’s property for the watershed association’s use during the market. He anticipates hosting about 25 artisan vendors under the pavilion and in the yard adjacent to the Thistledown at Seger House hotel.
The addition of a second location just down the road from the main market is intended to entice shoppers to trek into town and support more local businesses, which include restaurants, coffee shops, wellness stores, gift boutiques, flower shops and other unique offerings.
“I think it’s all in the town’s best interests,” said Gardner. “Without the businesses here, what do you have?”
“We’re about tourism; we’re about charm,” said Tunstall, speaking on behalf of the town, which is home to about 1,500 people.
That much is evident to anyone walking down Main Street, who passes by picturesque storefronts, friendly faces and the Diamond, a plaza and gazebo in the middle of a roundabout that marks the center of town.
Changes to the market
Those concerned about the previous market’s overgrowth should note the coming Ligonier Valley Farmers Market will be intentionally smaller than its predecessor, featuring an estimated 60 vendors.
“We work with a lot of community partners,” said Huba, referring to the Loyalhanna Watershed Association. “That word is so key: local.”
“Fresh food options are always good to promote,” she said.
Jones and Huba both discussed the importance of the farmers market in promoting their organization’s mission “to conserve, protect and restore our natural resources.”
Ligonier Township is at the headwaters of the environmental nonprofit’s service area, but their work encompasses roughly 300 square miles, entirely in Westmoreland County.
Jones said the market “falls within our mission” to protect green corridors and watersheds in the county.