EASTON, Pa. — Between the festivals and the vegetables, Easton Farmers Market blossomed in 2023.
In its 271 year, the market saw record attendance of 70,000, a 19% increase over 2022, according to a release sent Wednesday.
Indeed, Sept. 2 saw a single attendance record of 3,198 visitors for its Funky Ferments Fest during Labor Day weekend.
Additionally, vendor sales increased 20%, it said.
The market, which claims to be "the oldest, continually operating outdoor farmers market in the country," is operated by the Greater Easton Development Partnership.
The robust 2023 season, "Is a tribute to the growth of Easton as one of the mid-Atlantic's premier food destinations."
Easton Farmers Market Manager Megan McBride
The robust season, "Is a tribute to the growth of Easton as one of the mid-Atlantic's premier food destinations," said Easton Farmers Market Manager Megan McBride.
Other attractions included Strawberry Day, Juneteenth, Honey Bee Day, Peach Day, Apple Jam and Hispanic Cultural Day, all of which contributed to the market's popularity.
Its location in Scott Park, at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers, was also a draw, they said.
Coming up, the Easton Farmers Market will launch its Winter Market 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 6 in front of the Easton Public Market, in the 300 block of Northampton Street.
More than 20 vendors are already on board with the promise of root vegetables, squash, greenhouse-grown items, breads, desserts, sauces and more.
Easton Farmers Market joins Christkindlmarkt and Musikfest in celebrating record numbers of guests in 2023.