Mount Pleasant Farmers Market gets new location

The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, held last year at the Old Caruso property at the intersection of Main and Diamond streets in Mount Pleasant, will be moved this year to the parking lot behind Levin's Furniture.

According to Ron Aldom, director of the Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce, construction for the new Veterans Park Extension is slated to begin soon, so the market can no longer be held there.

There are some exceptions though.

This week, the market will be held at the Old Caruso property, because the firemen will be using the parking lot at the intersection of Smithfield Street and St. Claire Avenue, for their Firemen's Fair. The lot was to be the site of the Farmers' Market.

Also, the market will be at the Old Caruso property next week, because numerous activities will be going on around the Doughboy as part of the 175th anniversary, and the Farmers Market will join in the festivities.

However, after these two weeks, the market will be held in the parking lot behind Levin's.

Aldom added that the chamber looked for other places to hold the event, but chose the parking lot because there was adequate room and easy access.

"We did get permission from the Mount Pleasant Parking Authority," said Aldom, who added that the only negative thing about the move is the loss of Main Street exposure.

Another change this year will be vendor costs to participate.

"Last year it was complimentary; this year we're going to charge $5 for the day or $50 for the season," said Aldom. "But we're not making any money on it. All the money that we get will go towards the cost of advertising and the nominal fee charged by the parking authority for the rent."

The Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m., beginning this Wednesday and ending on Oct. 15.

Aldom was pleased with the results of last year's Farmers Market, and is looking forward to this year.

"The Farmers Market did bring people in the town out to shop in the borough," said Aldom. "It was very rewarding."

He added that there was really nothing negative about the Farmers Market.

"It works for everybody," said Aldom. "The town loves it, and the vendors seem to enjoy it.

Although there are only about eight vendors who reserved a spot for this Wednesday, Aldom is hopeful there will be more vendors that participate.

Those who reserved spots will be selling such wares as flowers and baked goods.

"There's really not a lot of vendors with vegetables yet because the rainy season has set them back," said Aldom.