Farmers Market Offers Fresh Fruits, Flowers, and More

Fresh peas in a pod proudly displayed at the market. Photo Courtesy / Cathryn Hahn
Fresh peas in a pod proudly displayed at the market. Photo Courtesy / Cathryn Hahn
Fresh peas in a pod proudly displayed at the market.
Photo Courtesy / Cathryn Hahn

By Kathleen Kraemer
Copy Editor-in-Chief

The Monroe Farmers Market, which began in Stroudsburg in 1979, is open for business once again.

On May 2, the market opened for its second year in Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg and its thirty-sixth season overall. The market will continue every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM through October.

During market hours, free parking can be found along Monroe and Sixth Streets. Additional metered parking can be found nearby on Main, Sarah, and Seventh Streets.

The market, run by its President Lalena Stirr, Vice President Brian Bruno, and Secretary Bill Richman is beginning to grow in its number of vendors, sponsors, and in its popularity within the community.

“The community response has been inspiring,” commented Bill Richman. ”Monroe Farmers Market’s ongoing efforts continually strive to improve the food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.”

At the Monroe Farmers Market, one can find a variety of fresh, local, and high quality products such as produce, plants, flowers, eggs, dairy products, raw honey, fresh baked breads & pastries, jams, jellies, syrups, hand roasted gourmet coffee, homemade pasta, sauces, fine wines, hand-made soaps, candles, and much more.

For this season, in an initiative started by Richman, the market will be able to accept Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. Individuals with SNAP will now be allowed to pay at the market tent, and then receive fresh produce and other foods from the vendors available.

In addition to its many vendors, the Monroe Farmers Market also hosts live music each week beginning at 9:00 AM. On Saturday, May 9, Mike Pilgermayer will perform followed by Lee Larson on May 16.

On May 23, the market will hold its first ever May Fair. At May Fair, there will be “food, music, special guests, and festivities in Courthouse Square!”

Among the new sponsors for the market this season is Pocono Medical Center (PMC).

Bruno, who has been instrumental in bringing in PMC as a sponsor said, “By doing free health screenings and presentations at the market, PMC brings value beyond their sponsorship dollars.”

He continued, “PMC is a great fit for us. We’re thrilled to have them as a partner and look forward to helping them spread the word about wellness through good food!”

Other sponsors this year will include Ready Set Run, Pocono Community Theater, Earthlight Natural Foods, Free Flow Acupuncture, Local Flair, The Sherman Theater, The Shawnee Inn, and ShawneeCraft Brewing Company.

Stirr exclaimed, “This year all of our vendors are returning, some are expanding, and we’re excited to announce we have added new vendors as well!”

New vendors to the market will include Aspen Ridge Farm, Woodsfresh Mushrooms of Cresco, and the Pocono Wine Trail.

For complete lists of sponsors, vendors, events, and musicians, please visit www.monroefarmersmarket.com

Email Kathleen at:
kkraemer2@live.esu.edu