A local fruit and vegetable stand in Catasauqua Borough opened June 20. Melvin’s Farm Stand, located at 327 Front St., began its inaugural year selling fresh produce.

The stand is operated by Melissa Brown and Catasauqua Borough Council President Vince Smith. They derived the name Melvin from a combination of both of their first names.

Their goal is to provide a local venue for Catasauqua residents to purchase quality, local produce at reasonable prices without leaving the borough. The plan is to have the stand grow in size, so Catasauqua residents have a wider supply of fresh products and other specialty foods.

The stand was well attended on its first official day. There was cooked food and refreshments for sale to patrons.

Luke and Lindsey DiLorenzo, of Valley Microgreens, displayed an assorted array of sprouts, also known as microgreens. They tout their products as fresh, local, sustainable and all natural. Their website is valleymicrogreen.com.

Also present was CJ’s Gourmet Mystic Mustards. Owner Carolyn Kovacs offered an impressive number of exotic, tasty mustards. A raspberry mustard sample was well received by attendees. The mustards are all natural with no salt, water, additives or preservatives. Flavors include, but are not limited to, garlic, peach bourbon and lemon. More information on Kovacs’ business can be found at cjsgourmetmustard.com.

Michele Hazzard, a North Catasauqua Borough Council member, was working the A Taste of Country food stand, which was a hit with customers. Jams, hot jams, jellies and a variety of pickled goods were for sale. The business can be reached at 484-264-8701.

The biggest hit at Melvin’s was the local fresh fruit and vegetables. Scallions, kale, romaine lettuce, cauliflower, strawberries, red beets, radishes and more were available. They sold quickly as the shoppers appreciated the selection and high-quality fresh food.

Brown and Smith were delighted with the turnout and what appeared to be happy customers out shopping on a gorgeous day.

The stand will be open 9 a.m.-noon every Saturday throughout the summer.

According to Smith, a municipal planner, resident and local businessman, having a walkable farmers market downtown has been a dream of his for at least a decade.

Brown and Smith, also active in the community, know there are many, including the elderly, who just do not have access to fresh vegetables and fruits.

“So we decided to start (a farmers market),” Smith said.

Brown is the director of Suburban North Family YMCA, Catasauqua. She, with the help of others, started a fresh vegetable effort to distribute vegetables for those in need. Seventy boxes of produce arrive at the YMCA every Thursday for free distribution.

For more information about Melvin’s Farm Stand, contact Smith at 484-634-0418.