Farmers Markets in Greene County
by Colleen Nelson
Selling fresh, locally sourced garden produce at farmers markets is a happy throwback to the days when milk was delivered by the milk man every morning, along with blocks of ice for the ice box. We’ve come a long ways since then. But nothing beats knowing where your fresh food comes from, especially spring through fall when your neighbors are willing to grow it for you.
Greene County’s love of farmers markets gives visitors another excursion during the road trip. Add picking up local produce and baked goods from among your stops at Thistlethwaite Vineyards for wine, Shields Nursery for plants, and Waynesburg Milling Company to pick up a gift made by a local artisan. Once you taste fresh picked tomatoes, you’ll be glad you did.
The first Farmers Market of the new millennium was a project of Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful. It began in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church at the west end of High Street in 2005 and attracted new age farmers who were raising organic meat, farm fresh eggs and vegetables galore. Street food vendors came and lunch time gourmands took note.
Four years later the market moved to afternoons in the American Legion parking lot on Greene Street. But the sweet spot turned out to be morning through lunchtime. In 2011, the market found its forever home next to the Greene County Courthouse with free parking spaces for grab and go shoppers. Now Wednesdays in Waynesburg wouldn’t be the same without the weekly Waynesburg Farmers Market.
Longtime vendors have their specialties, including baked goods, potted plants, jellies and jam. Starter plants to take home and grow yourself can be found here as well as eggs, maple syrup and every vegetable imaginable, grown fresh across the region.
For foodies, more is always better and as the market for home grown has grown, so has the number of markets in and around Waynesburg. The Greene County Farmers Market was introduced in 2020 at the Lions Club Community Park in conjunction with the Sounds of Summer concert series. Vendors range from local crafters to our own Lippencott Alpacas displaying their wares.
Consider adding a trip to the farmers market for seasonal produce, pastries and more this summer. You may discover something new that keeps you returning!
