Macungie Should Partner With Twp. on Farmer's Market
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The Macungie Farmers Market was closed last week for the annual Wheels of Time SRA Jamboree. On Thursdays I usually try to take a walk over (my work is across the street) in the evening. Even if I don't buy anything if it's nice out I enjoy the stroll and usually bump into someone I know. (though I usually can't resist not getting something)
I was thinking though...Lower Macungie Township currently does not have a farmers market. Other local communities do. Emmaus for one has a great one.
I'm guessing but off the top of my head there are 4-5 weeks during the summer when there is no market due to car shows or other events in the park.
Wouldnt it be great if LMT or Macungie stepped up and proposed a partnership to co-sponsor the market and to host it on weekends when Macungie Park is not available? I have no idea if this is feasible or if it's something the farmers market association would even entertain. But if you've read my blog you know I'm a big supporter of cooperation between the boroughs of Alburtis, Macungie and LMT.
You could very easily split up the contributions by taking the number of weeks in the summer and dividing by the number of weeks LMT would host the market. Macungie borough's contribution to the market is 5,000 dollars a year. A cost of less then 2 bucks per borough resident. Well worth it in my opinion.
Just a thought....
The Macungie Farmers' Market is a producer/grower market committed to providing locally grown, fresh food; to preserving our agricultural heritage; and to building community. The Market helps support local agriculture by connecting farmers with consumers. This means that you buy directly from the farmers and artisans themselves, not from third parties or re-sellers. Since all vendors are producing these products for you, they can often explain best handling and preparation methods and are always willing to offer FREE advice.
jennifer
8:55 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Great idea, Ron!
Ron Beitler
9:01 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
It was just a thought. A local farmers market is something I think LMT should get behind, but it's silly to duplicate efforts when we have Emmaus and Macungie markets.
Therefore a partnership makes sense. Both for the market and township. I think I was incorrect with my 4-5 times that it needs to be postponed because of various fests. I think that might only be twice a year. Even if a potential partnership didnt involve a part time township location, I think Memorial park is central enough location to the township that I would be fine with co-sponsorship of the market at it's current location. If you think about it, really LMT almost surrounds Macungie borough on 3 sides. The location is central to most of the township. In fact it's 1/4 mile away from our community center.
slyfox
1:31 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Who sells their produce at the Kings Highway UMT Muni bldg? Couldn't something be combined there?
Robert Sentner
6:53 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Yeah don't forget Upper Milford's, not as big as Macungie and Emmaus's Farmers market. But some quality produce and baked goods. Open Saturday and Sunday
Chris Boehm
4:00 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
Ron, the Macungie Farmers Market appreciates your support. We are always looking for support through sponsorships and/or volunteers. Which brings me to why I am responding to your article. I would like to clarify that the Macungie Farmers Market is funded solely by vendor fees and sponsorships. However, since the Market is a Borough function, the funds must flow through the Borough budget. In 2012 the Market has received $4,500 in revenue from sponsorships and vendor fees. I just want to clarify that the Market is not funded with tax dollars. I also want to let everyone know the Market is open from the first Thursday in June until the last Thursday in October and is only closed the week of the Wheels of Time car show. See you at the Market.
Ron Beitler
11:47 am on Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Thanks chris for clarifying. I just looked up the line item in the budget. Thats great that it's just essentially a "pass through" and the market is 100% supported by the community! Again I was just kinda thinking on the topic one day as I would love to see LMT support community agriculture in some way shape or form... esp given our agricultural past.