The founders of the Elizabethtown Farmers Market have a mantra for visitors: "Be Hungry for Local."

"Our market features hyper-local vendors, meaning everyone grows and/or produces their goods locally within a less-than-30-mile radius," shared Nikita Grove, vice president and co-founder. "Not only are you supporting our local businesses, farmers and producers, but also joining a welcoming community that truly cares about your health and well-being."

July marked the halfway point for this summer's market season, and despite a few summer storms, the market has successfully operated rain or shine from 4 to 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. It is located at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 247 S. Market St., Elizabethtown, and will continue operation through Wednesday, Oct. 15. The final date will feature a Harvest Festival.

Grove noted that market visitors can enjoy freshly baked sourdough bread, soft pretzels and other baked goods; gluten-free breads and baked goods; local honey; and lots of local produce.

"We also have fresh cut flowers, a pork farmer with a great selection of Berkshire pork and freshly pressed juice," she said. "We have local businesses like Udder Bliss Creamery who focus on quality milk from grass-fed dairy cows and artisan bakes from Valosh French Patisserie."

A local mushroom farmer offers fresh, dried and powdered mushrooms. Freshly made hot sauce is sold from a new small business in Elizabethtown.

"Through our collaboration with Wittel Farm and Christ Church, we offer a free compost program that goes back to Wittel Farm to support their soil and growth of vegetables that then helps feed our local community," Grove remarked.

The market also has an official partnership with The Wellness Grove, a nutrition counseling private practice and co-founder of the market, which provides seasonally infused water to the patrons of the market; seasonal recipes to inspire use of the available produce; and fun, interactive games and education about food, nutrition, sustainability and composting.

"This year, for most market days we have live music from local musicians and DJs," Grove noted as well.

Along with Grove, market co-founders Madison Snyder and Cecile Madonna saw a need to bring fresh and locally grown and produced goods to Elizabethtown to support local vendors but also to promote the health of the community. They formed the market in 2023, with 2024 serving as its first season.

"We're thankful for the support of our donors and sponsors to make this farmers market viable," Grove said. "We created this nonprofit based on our mission to provide both good health and access to local and nutritious goods to our community. Being downtown gives a centralized location to encourage folks to stroll the streets to get active, connect with members of our community and learn about seasonally available produce."

For more information on the Elizabethtown Farmers Market, follow the organization on Facebook or Instagram.