Viewfinder: Opening Day at the Farmers' Market

opened for its seventh season in Hellertown's on Sunday, and organizers said they were thrilled with such a robust turnout so early in the season.

"We were extremely happy with the attendance and many of the vendors sold out of product," SVFM chairperson Shelley Goldberg reported late Sunday.

Volunteers--including Hellertown mayor and Bud Prosser--were kept busy directing motorists to overflow parking within the park, and the wide, grassy allee that separates two rows of vendor booths was thronged with visitors throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

A highlight of the day was an opening ceremony that was attended by the PA Dept. of Agriculture's Special Advisor to the Governor Boots Hetherington, Lower Saucon Township Manager Jack Cahalan, Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline, State Rep. Bob Freeman (D-136), KNBT assistant vice president and manager of its  Stephanie Weitzman, and Fluck.

"The uniqueness of the Saucon Valley Farmers' Market is not just about purchasing locally produced food. It is very much about valuing community, looking forward to seeing the farmers with whom they do business, connecting with friends--old and new--and really sharing in the joy of life," Goldberg said.

"Seeing Bud and the mayor out directing traffic, never too busy, proud or preoccupied, but always filled with doing the right thing for their community, makes them role models in what it takes to work together and just do," she added.

Goldberg also singled out the contributions of SVFM volunteers Terry Boos and Beverly Rosewicz for praise.

Boos "is a master at organizing the vendors and rearranging and arranging" and and much more, she explained.

Another highlight of opening day was the presentation of a $100 donation from the market to Connor Jackson, who is raising money to participate in a cultural exchange program this summer.

Jackson, who was at the market selling hand-made note cards, .

Goldberg noted that Jackson will again be at the market selling cards on May 20.

Quality crafters for the market's monthly Art in the Park, which is held on the fourth Sunday of each month, are also being sought, she said.

More information is available online at www.svfarmersmarket.org.

The volunteer-run Saucon Valley Farmers' Market is held each Sunday from 9am to 1pm through late November.

More than 20 local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers, soap, baked goods, meat, eggs, snacks, dog treats and much more set up booths in the park each week.

Live entertainment is often provided, and the market hosts many special events each season, such as .