In 2021, the Lititz Farmers Market opened tentatively in May. "Last year with COVID-19, we were unsure about some things," recalled Rebecca Branle, Venture Lititz executive director. "This year, we are bringing back that special festive feeling to the market," she said, noting that live music, crafts, kids' activities, and more are planned for the outdoor venue.

The Lititz Farmers Market is a community-supported growers farm market located at the edge of Lititz Springs Park at 24 N. Broad St., Lititz, near the park fountain. Lititz Farmers Market is sponsored by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and is a program of Venture Lititz, downtown Lititz's Main Street program. "We are so happy to work with (Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health) again," said Branle.

Plans are to hold the market rain or shine. This year, the market will open on Thursday, May 19, and market hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. each Thursday, until Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, when they will change to 4 to 7:30 p.m. There will be no market day on Thursday, June 30, so that Lititz Springs Park can be prepared for the annual Fourth of July holiday celebration.

Vendors coming to this year's market will include those selling meats, yogurt, fresh vegetables and fruit, bread and baked goods, granola, cut flowers, daylilies, and gardening items. Occasional pop-up vendors will also be showcased. "We are doing our best to make sure it is a very well-rounded market," said Branle. "We will have some fermented things."

"I think it's wonderful to meet the growers of our food and be able to talk to them, and they love getting feedback," said Branle. She shared that she is especially excited about Erica Joy Bakes joining the market lineup because Branle is close to someone who adheres to a gluten-free diet. "I know gluten sensitivity is becoming more prevalent," Branle noted. "I have heard that (Erica Joy) gluten-free baked goods are beyond (good)."

Rafiki Shoppe, a food vendor, will return to sell prepared African food items from under a market canopy. In addition, plans are underway to have a different food truck present each time the market is open. "It will be something different and exciting every week," reported Branle.

To enhance the festive feel of the market, a partnership with the Lititz Art Association is being forged to bring kids' crafts and free kids' activities to the park. Branle is also working with musical entertainers, including Dillweed, which will play at the market on opening day. "Dillweed is a fun, three-piece, folksy farmers market-appropriate band," said Branle.

Branle said that she hopes area residents and those who work in Lititz Borough will frequent the market. "It's really important for the community to support this so we can keep doing it," she said. "Come get some fresh flowers to have in your house and some fresh food and try some cuisine maybe you have never tried before."

More information about the market may be found by searching for "Lititz Farmers Market" on Facebook or visiting http://www.lititzfarmersmarket.com.