Newtown Square FARMERS MARKET

Our Community by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Pam Purser

Tucked away from all of Newtown Square’s noisy roadwork and never-ending new construction is a little slice of hometown pride called St. Albans Circle. This hidden gem is home to many diverse local businesses, charming, historic buildings and nearby walkable neighborhoods.

It’s also home to the Newtown Square Farmers Market, which takes place every Friday afternoon throughout the summer. This is the second year for the market, where local vendors and community members gather in the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church parking lot to sell goods, enjoy entertainment and promote community involvement.

Visitors enjoying the variety of goods for sale

The Farmers Market is open every Friday from 3pm to 6pm and features fresh produce from Urban Roots Farm, locally roasted coffee from Our Community Cup Coffee, soaps and fragrances by Urban Essence, soy candles from Sweet Orange Candle Company, traditional Irish treats made by MacDougall’s Cakes and artisan fresh breads from Crusty Delight.

Other vendors include Dad & Will’s Microgreens, BFY Bakes, Enol Vineyards, Gladiolus Farm, Heavenly Sweet Chocolates, Jam On It, Kastania Olive Oil, M’s Cheesecakes, MarRosa’s Old World Cuisine, New Road Brinery, Traditional Greek Sweets, Philly Nuts, Trotter Hill Alpaca Farm and Veggielicious. Some vendors are there every week, while others work on a rotating schedule, so be sure to visit often because each week is different!

There is also weekly entertainment like live music and Newtown Square library’s story time for the family and plenty of room to sit, relax and let the kids run and play. Visitors can also shop at the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church’s thrift shop on the premises and learn about community groups like Newtown Square in Bloom and the Garrett Williamson Foundation.

Urban Roots Farm fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers

The market is made possible by a forward-thinking and generous group of volunteers, township officials and community leaders. For the past two years, they have been working together to unlock the potential of the St. Albans Circle area by inviting the community to gather there for new and exciting community happenings. That group is called Gather in the Circle and its mission is to make sure this important and unique part of Newtown Square doesn't get left behind and that it continues to thrive.

The farmers market got great support from the community and Newtown Township last year, and we were thrilled that people wanted it to continue!" said Pam Purser, co-Chair of Gather in the Circle. "It really feels like we’ve filled a need in our community — a need for connection, conversation and fun.

The Gather in the Circle Committee recognizes the generosity and appreciates the commitment of all the volunteers who help each week. They are also very grateful for our friends at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, who have graciously agreed to host this weekly event. Pam said that they are always welcoming new volunteers to help set up, direct traffic, clean up and promote the market in our community. “It’s like a block party out there every week, and it’s been fun getting to know all of these business owners,” she said. “I encourage everyone to come out and join the party!”

For more information about the Newtown Square Farmers Market and opportunities to volunteer, contact Pam Purser at Pam@GatherInTheCircle.com and follow Gather in the Circle on Facebook and Instagram.