WINTER FARMERS MARKET AT CLARKS SUMMIT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH GIVES ABINGTON AREA FARMS A BOOST

From left, Tim Fitch, Dean White and Kaitlyn Klinges, of Keystone Konfections, Tunkhannock, brought a variety of baked goods to the Abington Winter Farm Market last Saturday afternoon. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

CLARKS SUMMIT —Despite falling temperatures, local farms and businesses still have home-grown products available for purchase through the Abington Winter Farm Market each Saturday at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church.
On Saturday, Jan. 9, the opening day of the market, 12 vendors from across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including many from the Abingtons, showcased products fromlettuce to jerky to pies.
Eric Garver, of Conifer Corner in Factoryville, sold out of the business’s raspberry pepper jerky during the first few hours and was thrilled with the support from the community.
“There seems to be a lot of excitement in the community,” Garver said. “There is a market in Scranton, but it has a very different setting and atmosphere. This market will be truly unique to the area.”
Garver believes the partnership between the vendors, church and patrons as well as interactive events separates the market from others in the area.
“The meals served by the church will have different items from various vendors each week,” he said. “For example, Annie’s Country Kitchen, of Newton Township, donated salsa to use in the chili sold by the church during opening day. Generally, you don’t see farms working with churches to serve meals to the community.
“It’s not strictly a market where people will pick up their produce and leave. We plan on having different events each month including a Kids Day on Saturday, Feb. 6 that will feature live baby goats from Orson’s Best Garden Center and Farmstand in Union Dale and arts and crafts projects for children.” Click here to read the full story.