Vendors Move From Bellevue to New Farmers' Market at St. John's Church

A new farmers' market will open today in the parking lot across from  at 920 Perry Highway.

It will begin at 3 p.m. and go until 7 p.m., said Pastor Mike Robinson.

About eight vendors are expected today with greens and fresh eggs, with more committed to coming as the growing season lengthens, he said.

"Everything is pretty early," he said. 

The market will be held every Wednesday, at the same time, throughout the growing season.

Many of the vendors who are planning to set up shop at the new market were regulars at the Bellevue Farmers' Market, which for the past five years has held its market on Wednesdays through the growing season. 

Michele Smith, the market manager for the Bellevue market, said many vendors left the Bellevue Market and sought the alternate location after the borough delayed approving the market.

She said she was disappointed because the market received a $4,000 grant to promote it this year.

"We got all the money," she said. "All I need are farmers." 

She said the Bellevue market still intends to launch May 23, and anyone interested, individuals or organizations, can still submit an application to sell anything edible and grown. 

Robinson said the church got involved in creating the new market after being approached by the farmers who felt they had lost their space in Bellevue. 

Proceeds generated by the vendor fees are being donated to the he said.

"We looked at this as a good opportunity," he said. "I think it will be good for the local economy and for the people in the area."

The West View Farmers' Market also launched this week and will continue now through the summer every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of .