Welcome back to school!

I’m referring of course to the New Hope Farmers’ Market which has moved back to its previous location at the New Hope-Solebury High School campus grounds.

“It is wonderful to be back,” says Susan Pierson, market manager. It’s been a bumpy season for so many reasons. The market had opened the season at a new location, right on Route 202 next to the Eagle Diner. “We thought we could gain more traffic for the market from 202, but it didn’t work out,” Pierson says. Then came the rains of May. And changes in Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regulations (Act 106) that caused some vendors to pull out because it wasn’t economically feasible for them to stay. But, adds Pierson, “we’re back at the school and thrilled!”

Back, nestled in the cool shade, on the grass. Nestled in the welcoming arms of the town. It definitely feels good to be back. Pierson is grateful for the wonderful support of the school board and Dr. Boecuti, superintendent, and for the vendors who stuck it out all summer.

Look this week for Milk House Farm (vegetables, heirloom tomatoes), Tall Pine Farms (vegetables), Mainly Mushrooms, The Cookie Lady, Lilies and Lavender (flowers), The Gourmet Puppy and Woods Edge Wools. The Coffee Scoop will be back next week with their locally roasted, USDA certified organic coffee. And other vendors will be coming as well.

What better time to move back? Just at the height of the summer bounty and on the verge of the fall season. You’ll find at the market this week heirloom tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, sweet corn, melons like cantaloupe and watermelon, eggplant, lettuce and salad mix, beans, cucumbers, Yukon Gold potatoes, onions, zucchini, summer squash and more.

The market has also shifted its hours, beginning at 3:30 pm and ending at 7 pm, and will be open every Thursday afternoon through November 17.

So stop on by to see an old friend this Thursday and go “back to school.”

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