For this week’s Elert I caught the sunrise over the charred remains of the brick building that housed Broad Street Market. This Market House has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America.
The historical significance explains the overwhelming response from Governor Shapiro and Secretary of Agriculture Russ Redding to local residents and anyone who appreciates the inescapable connection between our dinner tables and local farms.
Sure, the Broad Street Market is a ‘far piece’ south of the Greater Susquehanna Valley, but many of the stand holders are from our neck-of-the-woods, including J.B. Kelly Seafood Connection and Stoltzfus’ Poultry with their ‘broasters’ which kept the long-running tradition of Country Cupboard Broasted Chicken alive for all of we aficionados.
According to PennLive, the best outlet for folks to learn how they can assist the market and the affected market stand holders is by visiting the Market’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BroadStreetMarket. Contributing to the effort is fellow Chamber member the Susquehanna Art Museum will be hosting a plein art event this weekend at the Market. All proceeds from the auctioned art pieces will be going to Board Street Market stand holders.
Please allow me to wrap up with just a word or two about National Farm-City Week promotions. Our re-energized Agriculture Committee is working hard to remind everyone ‘where their food comes from.’ Since 1955, National Farm-City Week has linked our nation’s rural and urban people.
This year’s Farm-City efforts have been themed, “Partners in Progress.” Stay tuned for upcoming farm-to-table meals, get-to-know-your-farmer open houses, and celebrations of producer (farmer)-and-purchaser (you) connections hosted by your Chamber’s Ag Committee members.
Working together…our best days lie just ahead.
From Where I Sit
