In 2005, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) designated the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), a not-for-profit community and economic development organization incorporated in 1998, as a Pennsylvania Main Street program. Under this program, the LEDC is funded by the DCED to implement the “four-point approach” to downtown revitalization: Design, Economic Restructuring, Organization, and Promotion. In 2006, as part of a special project grant from the William Penn Foundation, the LEDC was selected by The Food Trust to receive technical assistance in the creation of a locally operated farmers market.

The mission of the Lansdowne Farmers Market (LFM), inaugurated in May 2007 and open every Saturday from Memorial Day weekend to Halloween, is to “bring fresh, local food to Lansdowne; foster economic development in the Borough; promote Lansdowne and its events, businesses, artists, and musicians; and provide a community gathering place.”

The LFM is planned, organized, and largely run by a committee of about 10 volunteers and one paid Market Manager, with LEDC oversight. Market vendors have come through committee solicitation, advertisements, and word of mouth. Participating vendors have changed every year, with priority given to local and returning businesses and with the goal of providing a broad shopping experience, both in merchandise and price. Sixteen vendors are committed for 2010, which will fill the available Market space. Six of the 16 are brand new for 2010; five others have participated since the first Market season, and three of those are Lansdowne businesses.

Since the Market’s inception, the local community has embraced it, and the LFM has become a centerpiece of downtown revitalization. Every Market features an Artist and a Musician of the Week, which opens the event to the local arts and culture community, and also provides live entertainment and new handcrafted products each week. To further engage area residents, groups, and interests, the LFM is host to several Community Days each season, during which additional spots are opened to local organizations, businesses, and private citizens for promotion and sales. Three Community Days are planned for 2010. Four additional special events are also scheduled for this season. Moreover, nonperishable foodstuffs are regularly collected at the Market to restock the local food bank.

The best friend you can be to the Market is to be a good shopper — come regularly and make purchases! Next best is spreading the word by telling friends, handing out LFM magnets, or displaying one of our fabulous apple-shaped lawn signs. And we can always use a hand setting up or breaking down. Stop by the Market Manager tent and say you want to help, and we’ll find something for you to do.