The month of May marks the seasonal return of so many of our favorite farmers’ markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic states. Some of these beloved mainstays have a long and enduring history dating back several years or even decades. Others go back even further. For instance, did you know that the oldest continuously operating open-air farmers’ market in the nation is still around and going strong? I’m referring to the one and only Easton Farmers’ Market in Easton, Pennsylvania, which celebrates its 272nd season this weekend.
For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m taking a look at the impressive longevity of the Easton Farmers’ Market. I will also offer an overview of how the market has developed and adapted to changing times along the way.
History of Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets have been around since ancient times. The very first ones on record can even be traced back to Egypt more than 5,000 years ago. The concept behind the farmers’ market has remained generally the same throughout the ages—people would gather together in an area of commerce to vend and trade in the literal fruits of their labor. Of course, other goods and products were also added to the mix, as business dealings via these centralized methods continued to expand and grow worldwide.
When European settlers first arrived in the New World, they brought with them all those existing farmers’ market traditions that had become popular. The first farmers’ markets established here can be traced back to the 1600s. The first-ever official farmers’ market on American soil took place in Boston, Massachusetts in 1634.
The Establishment of Easton and Its Namesake Farmers’ Market
The Easton Farmers’ Market was established in 1752, the very same year the City of Easton was founded. It became customary early on for various farmers and merchants living here to come out to what was then known as “the Great Square” (later “the Centre Square”) to set up shop and vend various goods. These ranged in everything from fresh-baked bread and pastries to homegrown fruits and vegetables, handcrafted wares to an abundance of other products. The farmers’ market became the site of a bustling and thriving scene of commerce and camaraderie in no time.
The lasting success of the farmers’ market should come as no surprise, though. It seems as if Easton was always destined for greatness. Not only did it come into prominence during the Revolutionary War, but it was even one of three places in the newly established nation where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time. It was also during this reading on July 8, 1776, that one of the very first “Stars and Stripes” flags was flown.
Easton proved to be an ideal location for trade and business given its proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City. Its placement in conjunction with the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers also proved economical, as did the eventual arrival of the railroad. All these factors also contributed to the overall lasting success of the namesake farmers’ market throughout the years.
Endurance Through Challenging Times
The traditional farmers’ market operations weathered many storms over the years, including the coming and going of several wars, the Great Depression, and other hardships. Yet through it all, the Easton Farmers’ Market remained in strong standing. That was until a most unexpected challenge arose in the latter part of the 20th century (into the early 21st century)—one that nearly proved fatal to the longstanding operation. The challenge was in maintaining all those once-abundant market operations when increased urban sprawl came to the area. Growing numbers of people were fleeing the downtown area at a rapid pace, favoring more suburban regions. Malls and shopping centers were also proving lucrative around this time, snatching up businesses that previously appeared regularly at so many farmers’ markets throughout the United States. The loss was felt on a nearly national level.
The Easton Farmers’ Market was no exception. While it still managed to stay afloat throughout the 1980s and 1990s, things weren’t looking so great by the early 2000s. At its leanest time, back in 2001, the Easton Farmers’ Market was down to just one vendor!
New Life and Revival
Things had to hit rock bottom before they could start thriving again. Fortunately, it was also around this time that the still-committed diehard fans of the farmers’ market began to take notice of the risk of losing such a longstanding tradition. Many had grown up always having it yet unintentionally taking it for granted.
Various citizens, community members, and local organizations soon got together in slating a new initiative to not only restore the market to its former glory but to make it better than ever. This was an opportunity to breathe new life into a longstanding local tradition while boosting the economic framework in Downtown Easton. They had their work cut out for them, though, facing an uphill battle every step of the way. But where there is a will, there is a way, and slowly but surely things started improving.
Gradually more and more vendors joined the existing lineup, and diligent merchants and volunteers alike joined forces in working to bring in more of the essential products still lacking from the steadily growing vendor inventory.
In addition to more products and specs, folks also worked together to establish special featured events and fun extras, hoping to draw in crowds of curious visitors. From hands-on kid-friendly activities to unique contests, themed days to live musical performances, the newer features and anchoring highlights that have since become part of the Easton Farmers’ Market experience have proven both popular and successful all around.
Producer-Only Market
As of 2005, the Easton Farmers’ Market has been operating as a producer-only market. This holds vendors to stricter quality standards in only being permitted to sell goods and products they make, produce, or grow themselves (with few exceptions). This rule provides for a much more charming and quaint small-business atmosphere, preventing wholesale product distribution. It also ups the ante in expectations for the top-notch, locally grown/made produce and products you can find here. It’s a recommitment to the integral standards first set in place during the original Easton Farmers’ Markets—everything coming directly from those vending them in the Great Square.
The Easton Farmer’s Market of Today
As of 2020, Easton Farmers’ Market has moved away from its longtime location in Centre Square to the more scenic and spacious Riverfront of Scott Park. And things are going pretty well with a future that looks bright and bountiful.
Opening day for the 272nd season is tomorrow, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The lineup will comprise 50 diverse vendors, three sponsors, and two community tents. An opening ceremony to kick off this season’s farmers’ market will take place at 10 a.m. followed by live music by Highest Bidder between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
If you live in or around the greater Mid-Atlantic region, this is definitely one rite of passage pursuit you’ve got to experience! Come on out to be a part of history in the making while also supporting local small businesses and indulging in family-friendly fun while you’re at it.
The Easton Farmers’ Market operates as a subsidiary of the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). Regular market operations are from May to December (the last Saturday before Christmas) at Scott Park.
Winter market operations take place between January and April on the 300 Block of Northampton. Also, be sure to check out the West Ward Market, which runs from May 1 to October 30 and is located at 12th and Northampton Streets between Paxinosa Elementary and Cottingham Stadium.
Visit the official Easton Farmers’ Market at www.eastonfarmersmarket.com for all other information and details.