When the Elizabethtown Farmers Market opens for its second season, it will be in a new location. The market will operate on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, beginning Wednesday, May 7, and running through Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Christ Church United Church of Christ, 247 S. Market St., Elizabethtown.

The move, from the square in the downtown business district, reflects feedback from the community and a need for more space to accommodate a growing number of vendors.

"We will have 20-plus vendors, all representing local farmers, growers and producers," said Madison Snyder, president and market manager. "There will be everything from ice cream to flowers, meats, cheeses and more!"

In its debut year, the market featured 13 seasonal vendors and a number of pop-up vendors, she noted. "Several local organizations took the opportunity to present at our community table, and we donated over 300 pounds of produce to local organizations," Snyder shared. "This year, the market is presented in partnership with The Wellness Grove. Visitors can look forward to nearly double the vendors, fresh food, live music, activities at our community table and our year-end Harvest Festival."

Both new and returning vendors will be featured this year.

"We're thrilled to have The Free From Kitchen, Jubilee Heritage Cheese, Just Juice, Udder Bliss Creamery, Wittel Farm and many others," Snyder remarked. "Almost all of our vendors are local to Lancaster County."

The creation of the farmers market was prompted by an interest in creating community, she said.

"The market comes from a shared desire to bring people together, create a sense of community pride, improve community wellness and connect people to the abundant food resources we have in central Pennsylvania," she commented.

Nikita Grove, market vice president, encourages people to check out the market if they haven't been before.

"The E-town Farmers Market has a special focus of supporting local growers and producers all while supporting the health of our community by bringing access to these wholesome goods with a sustainable twist," she said. "Supporting local producers propels our local economy, reduces carbon footprint and provides the opportunity to build stronger community connections."

She also noted that the new site will help the market further this mission.

"Because of the accessible location of our market, we hope this encourages our community to use our walkable green paths and sidewalks in downtown Elizabethtown, and because this market focuses on providing access to local, fresh and organic goods, we hope this supports the health and wellness of our community," she shared. "Plus, we offer a free composting program, which supports Wittel Farm that grows free produce to help nourish neighboring families."

And, Madison said, shopping locally supports friends and neighbors.

"You're also getting the freshest products," she said. "By visiting the Elizabethtown Farmers Market specifically, you're also supporting something larger than just the market and its vendors. The Elizabethtown Farmers Market provides access to free produce, educational information and other community resources."

Explaining the free produce, she noted, "If you are in need of fresh produce and finances are an obstacle, Wittel Farm will be offering free produce. Every market day, the produce will be available while supplies last. The Wittel Farm mission is incredible, and we're very proud to have them at the market."

Both women hope the new location will attract even more shoppers. Plenty of parking is available in the church's lot, Madison said, and the route is accessible by Red Rose Transit Authority as well as walkable from downtown public parking lots.

"All of these things help keep the market accessible to people regardless of their mode of transportation," she stated.

The partnership with The Wellness Grove will also expand the market's impact, Grove said.

"We are able to provide greater access to nutrition education and cooking demonstrations," she remarked. "Because of our numerous local community sponsorships, we're able to broaden our education and composting efforts and provide live music on select dates."

For more information, search for "Elizabethtown Farmers Market" on Facebook.