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By J.R. Brower

The idea of establishing a weekly summer farmers' market in Peters Township was born over a year ago in the office of Rev. Kris McInnes at St. David's Episcopal Church. After discussing the idea with some of the mothers in his congregation, the ball started rolling. Within several weeks, a group was formed and eight volunteers came together with the pastor to start working on the project.

Pictured are Peters Township Farmers' Market Board of Directors Amy Michalesko, Mey Walker, Misty Menarcheck, Rev. Kris McInnes, Chelsea Johnston, Seashal Belldina, Beth Opat and Gianna Thomas. The group is standing beside St. David's Episcopal Church, which will host the weekly market. Missing from the photo are Kathy Carter and Danielle Leonard.

The first Peters Township Farmers' Market will be held Wednesday May 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. and will continue each Wednesday through September 24.

"The idea of a local farmers' market fit right in with the church's ideal that what makes a community strong are good relationships among its residents," said McInnes, who was born and raised in Peters, and has served as minister of St. David's for several years.

In January, the nine board members of the Peters Township Farmers' Market took their project to the Council, who approved it wholeheartedly with only several minor conditions.

Rev. McInnes explained that the idea of a local farmers' market appealed to him, because his church, at 905 E. McMurray Road, had ample facilities to host the market - a large parking area that is centrally located on a main thoroughfare in the township.

The group also decided to have the market include not only farmers and food producers but also local artisans who produce their own unique arts and crafts. They also plan to welcome local musicians and youth vocal groups to perform.

"A lot of us moms are very passionate about healthy food for our families, and if we can buy the freshest food possible from local farmers' and producers, that's all the better," said board member Seashal Belldina.

Chelsea Johnson, also on the board, echoed these thoughts, adding, "I love the idea of my family eating local. We're fortunate to have so many great farms around here, and now you can shop for the food all in one place," said.

According to the pastor, "the first market on Wednesday May 28 will include 20 vendors who have already signed up, including five produce vendors, a baker, a juice maker, salsa maker, fudge candy maker, jam and jelly canner as well as craftsmen like woodworkers and stain glass artists."

"We hope everyone who likes locally grown goods will come and see what the market has to offer. We've gotten an excellent response from the community, and we're looking forward to a great summer" said Rev. McInnes.

For more information on the Peters Township Farmers' Market, contact Rev. Kris McInnes at 724-941-4060 or e-mail him at stdavidspeterstwp@gmail.com. Their website is www.peterstownshipFarmers'market.org, and their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/peterstownshipFarmers'market.

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