Once upon a time, several years ago, Royersford Borough conducted a comprehensive plan which included a survey of what residents were looking for in their town. One of the top two things residents of Royersford said was a Farmers Market.

Every once in a while, someone would mention this to me, and I'd agree. What about a Farmers Market?

As the years went on, our Main Street began to bustle. The annual events in town began to evolve and grow. And every once in a while, someone would say, "How about a Farmers Market?"

Some time before the start of the pandemic, I noticed our Main Street businesses bringing in local artisans and bakers, florists and nonprofits to feature within their shop or host on the sidewalks outside of their storefront. It was then that I thought, "Let's do it. Let's build a Farmers Market."

I was so nervous.

Like anything - friendships, great loves, new job opportunities - I knew the timing had to be right. Once a fanned flame extinguishes, it's not as easy to relight it! In order for us to succeed, many pieces needed to simultaneously click and work together harmoniously. Right? Easy!

I put out a call for volunteers. Who wants to build a Farmers Market? In February 2023, about 50 people gathered in the Royersford Nazarene community hall and we wrote our visions on blank poster board. Then, I broke up everyone into committees: Policies and Procedures, Logistics, Research, Community Outreach, Vision & Goals, Establishment & Funding, Leadership & Volunteer Management, Marketing & Promotions.

Together, we sent out surveys and feedback forms to businesses and local residents. Committee Members literally walked the streets of Main Street handing out flyers to spread the word. They set up at Community Day and cobbled together supplies from their own houses and pockets. We crafted a mission statement, received about 50 submissions for possible logo designs. We worked with an amazing consultant, Brian, from the Penn State Extension who volunteered his time to answer our questions and confirm we were on the right track. Our volunteers established a fictitious name and bank account, mapped out where and how vendors could fit in a parking lot down to the literal inch. We put together a vendor application (and held our breath!), drafted rules and bylaws for vendors, patrons, and nonprofits, and so much more. As one of my friends with a business said, it was like starting a business.

Would we receive applications? Would we receive financial support? Would anyone attend the market?

Support from our borough administration and council - check. Borough businesses - check. Residents - check. Available and interested vendors - check. Willing and contributing sponsors - check. And of course, dedicated volunteers who were willing to spend their free time building every aspect of this thing!

I share all of this not only to recognize the incredible, detailed, thorough, and selfless work of this Farmers Market Planning Committee, but just how many pieces need to go "right" for our opening day to have happened so successfully.

I could not be more proud and humbled by our vendors, sponsors, and patrons taking a chance on us. Taking a chance on Royersford. Taking a chance on a new event and - hopefully - tradition and staple in our town. We are tiny, but we have an impact that spreads for miles.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Thank you to our sponsors. Thank you to our vendors. Thank you to Borough Council and our amazing staff and the folks with Montgomery County. Thank you to Brian. Thank you to YOU. Thanks for coming to shop, for telling a friend so they'll join us next week (and the week after), and for all of the enthusiasm and encouragement. I recognize and am so deeply thankful for each and every person who spent even a minute or a dollar to move us forward.

Thank you to our volunteers who came out to help us direct traffic and clean up the day. And thank you, most especially, to the Planning Committee who have worked every day from the beginning until now to make this happen. Yesterday was the culmination of a year and a half of weekly work by about 20 of the most dedicated, talented, smart, incredible volunteers you've ever seen. Thanks for bringing goodness to our community in so many ways, including this one.

Royersford Farmers Market

"Rooted in Community

Growing Together"

Our mission is to provide the residents and neighbors of Royersford with an accessible and welcoming market offering locally-sourced and crafted goods by farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs from the greater Royersford area.

Love, Mayor Jenna

p.s. want to volunteer? We need volunteers to continue throughout the season until November! Email royersfordfarmersmarket@gmail.com or check out our website www.royersfordreacreation.com