Rob Schilling, one of the owners at Sand Hill Berries in Mt. Pleasant, has been bringing his produce to Ligonier during the growing season for more than two decades.
When the longtime Ligonier Country Market’s lease was not renewed, Schilling considered following it to its eventual new home.
“But by the time they finally figured out they were going to Latrobe, I already had my summer planned out,” Schilling said. “The old market had too much controversy, and they should’ve found a new location earlier.”
And while the former market may have moved west up the highway, there was no lack of business at the brand-new Ligonier Valley Farmers Market, which held its first event Saturday. It also will operate June 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 29, and Sept. 12 and 26.
On Saturday, Schilling was nearly sold out with two hours to go.
“We started here, and we decided to stick with Ligonier,” he said.
The new market is a collaboration between the Loyalhanna Watershed Association, which hosts the market on its property in Ligonier, and local businesses and community volunteers.
“A lot of the (former Ligonier Country Market) vendors reached out early, and our board got the process moving by April to start hosting the market,” said association Executive Director Susan Huba of Ligonier. “We had so many volunteers helping us out, cutting the grass, parking cars, and I’m so happy to see a lot of the vendors selling out.”
Ben Yoder, who operates Savage Mountain Farm in Somerset County, also opted to keep bringing his produce and meat to a market in Ligonier.
“We’ve been coming here for nine years,” Yoder said. “Our salad mix, mushrooms and meats are all really popular, and I’m seeing a lot of the same folks here who were coming to the old market.”
The Ligonier Valley Farmers Market will be held twice a month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from June to September.
It will give up to 60 local growers and producers a location to sell their products, which on Saturday included fresh berries, pork and lamb, flowers, honey, vegetables and more.