The East Allen Township Farmers Market will make its debut in just a month’s time. The inaugural day is planned for 3-7 p.m. May 19 and will continue Wednesdays through September, weather permitting.

Having the market at the township’s Bicentennial Park West, 5351 Park West Lane, Bethlehem, allows for ample parking and event expansion over time.

Planning for the market, according to Chuck Frantz, farmers market director, continues.

Frantz said he is excited for the market’s start, having vendors already lined up. He expects, in the future, to have farmers selling food stuffs as well as a diverse number of vendors selling jewelry, honey, peanut butter, plants, flowers and perhaps more. There is no vendor fee to participate. All sales proceeds go to the vendors.

The effort is to entice residents to purchase locally grown foods, meats and products. Nutritional studies indicate eating local fresh foods are healthy choices and can counteract the abuses of factory farming.

Frantz relayed he understands a seasonal farmers market develops over time. It is not a fair or carnival or a Community Days event. Those events are planned for full participation for a number of days. A farmers market is a work in progress throughout the season.

There are tentative plans to hold themed events to entertain attendees. A food truck is being recruited, so patrons can grab a burger, a hot dog and other foods while at the market.

Frantz believes, in its inaugural season, the East Allen Township Farmers Market will be guided by the adage, “crawl, walk, then run.”

Frantz’s hope is to be running faster and faster as the market’s season proceeds.