Jamestown’s farmers market has a new day of the week and a rebranded name.
For this summer, the farmers market will take place on Saturdays instead of Thursdays along Cherry Street between Second and Third streets. Also, the new name is the Jamestown Public Market instead of the Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market. The market will be held on Saturdays through October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Most people don’t realize that the Jamestown farmers market has been around since 1878,” said Christina Breen, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation events coordinator and project associate. “The name Jamestown Public Market was added to the city directory in 1913. We wanted to preserve that piece of history and honor the efforts of past farmers and artisans who fought for over a century to keep this tradition alive.”
The change in the day for the 21-week event has been in discussion for many years, as community members and downtown business owners continue to suggest that weekend hours will improve attendance by accommodating people who work during the week. It also allows participants to enjoy free parking for the event.
“Saturdays are a busy day for farmers, but Jamestown’s market has proven worthwhile for them, so they are enthusiastic to see what a Saturday morning market will bring this season,” Breen said. “We are hoping for a great turnout, which leads to improved foot traffic for downtown businesses and increased profits for vendors and farmers. Increased attendance also helps us acquire data needed to expand to a year-round indoor market at some point in the future.”
The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation has partnered with Univera Healthcare, UPMC Chautauqua WCA and UPMC Hamot to sponsor the market amenities to encourage full success and revenue retention for participating vendors. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s staff works hard to garner sponsorship and relationships with community partners to lessen the burden on vendors by charging a small vendor fee each week.
The market operates next to the Pearl City Arts building, which is quickly filling up with a variety of art, wellness, food and retail related businesses, Breen said.
“We feel privileged to be sharing the same block with a diverse group of businesses. We are hoping more people will become familiar with all that downtown has to offer this summer,” Breen said. “We are counting on our community to show up every Saturday to shop and support local.”
The Jamestown Public Market will feature free live entertainment from local musicians each week along with outdoor seating, food demonstrations and tastings and wellness events. This summer’s featured farmers include Abers Acres, Scotts Farm & Greenhouse and J & E Produce. For Peate’s Sake Homestead is back for their second season as the market’s only all natural fresh frozen meat vendor. Works from local artists, homemade baked goods, handcrafted caramel and cheese popcorn, maple products and local honey will also be available.
For those interested in being a vendor, contact Breen at 664-2477, ext. 226, or email [email protected]. For additional information, visit jamestownrenaissance.org or join the Jamestown Public Market Facebook page.