Despite unseasonable temperatures, leafy greens, spinach, asparagus, rhubarb, and plenty of other seasonal produce will be available as well as seeding vegetables and plants for the gardener itching to get into the dirt. Patrons can also find hanging baskets of colorful flowers and other unique gifts for Mother’s Day.
“Even though the spring weather has been challenging, farmers are working hard to get everything planted to have fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to share with our fantastic customers. We are looking forward to another busy season sharing our beautiful, locally grown produce,” said farmer Maria Menegus of Ménages Farm stand.
Moe than two dozen stands will be on site from Apple Ridge Farm, Aspen Ridge Farm, Blue Ridge Herb Farm, Cakes & Scones Bakery, The Daily Bread Bakeshop, Gross Family Dairy, Dutch Hill Preserves. Co., The Kitchen Witch, Meatloaf’s Kitchen, Mountain Ridge Coffee Company, OHF Orchards, Pocono Limited Winery, Pocono Wine Trail, Rolling Hills Farm, Race Farm, Special Lady’s Specialties, Stagecoach Orchard, Toy Cow Creamery, Sweet Riley’s Bakery and Truly Italian Sauces. This year, welcomes a new vendor, Easton Salsa Co. & Buy the Farm LLC, who will offer fresh made salsas, sriracha, hummus, and chips.
“Our goal is ‘To inspire and nurture a healthy community by building a local, sustainable, conventional and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace … to inform them about Stroudsburg’s many programs that benefit the community at large,” said 2016 Market President Virginia Romagno.
The commitment of Rootin Tootin Hot Dogs in Stroudsburg to sourcing food locally caught the attention of Monroe Farmers Market, which has brought them on board as a new sponsor and vendor. Other new sponsorship includes Dresher Insurance, LaDiva Dietitian, Moments Remembered Videography and Come Alive Outside Pocono (sponsored by Strauser Nature’s Helpers). The group also has continual support from Pocono Medical Center, WSBG Radio, Earthlight Natural Foods, Free Flow Acupuncture, Ready Set Run, The Shawnee Inn, ShawneeCraft Brewery, Local Flair, Marshall & Marshall CPAs, Minuteman Press, The Mattioli Foundation, Embroidery Express and The Sherman Theater.
“We are also so excited to be accepting SNAP/EBT for our second year, which will provide the families who receive those benefits with locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables for their tables,” added Romagno.
Through voluntarism and sponsorship support, the market connects the community by hosting live entertainment, educational speakers and monthly-featured events. Newly added for 2016 is a “Maker’s Market on Monroe” during operating hours on the third Saturday of each month. Traditionally, the market has operated with agricultural and food-related products only, but this additional offering was established in response to local crafters or artisans, and will be scheduled based on availability.
Musician George Baier will begin performing at 9 a.m.
On May 28 of Memorial Day weekend, there will be a May Fair celebration of spring and all things that grow. Other special upcoming dates are July 2 for Red, White & Blueberries, Aug. 6 for Kids’ Day and Oct. 15 for AppleFest.
Free parking is available in designated spaces along Monroe and 6th Streets, while metered parking is nearby on Main, Sarah and 7th streets, and at nearby parking decks. For more information, visit the website monroefarmersmarket.com or like them on Facebook.