Published: May 14, 2009 11:23 pm      

Portage begins monthly markets for farm goods

PORTAGE — Jim Kissell remembers a half-century ago when farmers and butchers from Claysburg, East Freedom and Blue Knob came down the mountain weekly to sell their goods door-to-door throughout Portage.

Those days are long gone, but Kissell, a longtime member of Borough Council, has taken the lead organizing a monthly farmers market that is set to begin Saturday.

“We used to buy right from the farmer, and we’re trying to provide a place where we can do something like that again,” Kissell said.

Setup is free for farmers and nonprofits, but all vendors must register.

Other vendors – including those with flea market and garage sale items – can purchase a 10-foot-by-20-foot space for a flat fee of $25,

which covers the entire summer, Kissell said.

To date, three vendors have signed up for the first market on Saturday, said Michelle Claar, the borough secretary, who is handling registration and permits.

Claar is directing interested vendors to the borough’s Web site, where details are available.

Kissell said the low response for the first market should turn around quickly as farmers and backyard gardeners begin to bring in their crops.

“Everything is slower than heck with this weather,” Kissell said.

“It’s early yet.”

Vendors must provide their own tables, have all items clearly priced and leave their sites cleaner than when they came, Kissell said.

No trash disposal will be available for the vendors, he said.



Old-time flavor

What: Monthly farmers market.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19.

Where: Site of the former Caldwell Avenue School on Main Street, Portage.

Information: portageboro.com