Farmers Market in Hershey launches fifth season in 2014

On Thursday, May 22, 2014, the Farmers Market in Hershey returned for its fifth season with plenty of new offerings. In addition to locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally produced dairy products, meats, baked goods and many other specialty items, the 2014 market also featured several new vendors including Hope Hill Lavender Farm and Calicutt's Spice Blends, as well as fresh cut flowers from Milton Hershey School students.

The market continues offering its award-winning community wellness programming. Community volunteers and health professionals from Penn State Hershey Medical Center join together to provide free weekly children’s programming as well as free health screenings and preventive health programming for the public. On opening day, there will be a bounce house at the market to promote physical activity for kids as well as a session on children's gardening hosted by local master gardener Crystal Huff. A “Hazard House” will be coordinated by the Penn State Hershey Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Program along with Nursing and Physical Therapy to educate families about reducing the risk of falls in the home. Children will also be able to sign up for the market's summer wellness program: Health Detective. The market will also host an opening day 5k race and fun walk, with Segway rides available, and there will be a visit by the Nittany Lion and Hershey character mascots.

The market will continue hosting free cooking demonstrations and recipes for using fresh market products, and offering free space to local small businesses, community organizations and artisans. The market is pleased to offer a free weekly concert series featuring both regional and national bands and musicians from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as local musicians playing during the market.

In 2013, the market was honored with a Spirit of Excellence Award by Modern Healthcare magazine for its effort to promote an overall healthy lifestyle, and for its community outreach activities, which donate over $5,000 of produce to local organizations working with food insecure clients. An article about the market was published in the CDC's journal Preventing Chronic Disease. The market was also voted one of the Top 10 among farmers markets across the country by the American Farmland Trust.

The Farmers Market in Hershey is located in the field next to the Cocoa Beanery and the Englewood Barn at 1215 Research Blvd. off Bullfrog Valley Road, and is open every Thursday afternoon from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. (with a soft close), through the end of October.

For a complete list of weekly special market events and summer concerts, visit the market's website at www.farmersmarketinhershey.com. To receive real-time updates on the market, find the Farmers Market in Hershey on Facebook and Twitter.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.