History Of the Market

The History of the Market

The Bethlehem Farmers’ Market was an initiative of the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem (CADC-B) ten years ago to provide locally grown produce and fruits to residents of the City of Bethlehem. The market has been in two locations in South Bethlehem, the first being near the Banana Factory off of third street. After consideration of feedback by patrons (lack of parking, hard to walk in the dirt/gravel), the CADC sought out a new location.

For the 2006 market, Lehigh University offered the Campus Square area as a new location for the market with the hope of establishing a more accessible location for residents and local patrons and the market enjoyed a successful 2006 season.The 2007 market was again at Campus Square in South Bethlehem. Vendors actually moved from the roadside up into the Campus Square Courtyard.

The 2012 market, will run Thursdays, 11-3pm, from May 10th to October 25th, 2012, and will provide a unique shopping opportunity, especially compared to what customers typically find at a grocery store. At the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market, customers can sample the foods, develop relationships with the vendors, learn about unique food varieties and cooking tips, and greet their neighbors.