STROUDSBURG -- Farmers and local vendors are gearing up for a big day Saturday in the Poconos: the Monroe County farmer's market kicks off in Stroudsburg.
It's been a long cold winter, but farmers say they are ready to kick off the farmers market in Stroudsburg on Saturday, and they can't wait to show off the fresh local produce that so many people have been looking forward to.
The lettuce is getting cleaned up, as other fresh vegetables are beginning to sprout up on Apple Ridge Farm near Saylorsburg.
Brian Bruno is one of several farmers gearing up for opening day for the Monroe Farmers Market in Stroudsburg, where the selection is all local and fresh.
"This time of year, you're going to see a lot of greens, you are going to see lettuce, kale, spinach, probably a little bit of asparagus, maybe some rhubarb," Bruno said.
Growing in greenhouses has helped them get some produce ready for market.
This year, lower income families can now use their benefits to shop local.
"People can come right up to the market table, use their SNAP benefits. They'll get little wooden coins they can use with the vendors."
Inside the Apple Ridge Farm bakery, they're getting baked goods ready, too, to take to courthouse square Saturday morning.
"We've been making a ton of sourdough bread, we've been making pretzel chips, hand pies that are sweet potato and maple syrup to celebrate the season," said baker Rebecca Troutman.
Having the farmer's market in courthouse square for the second year in a row isn't just something that excites the farmers and the vendors; there are also lots of local businesses downtown that say they're looking forward to it.
Cafe Duet says they see a huge jump in foot traffic when the farmers market kicks off.
"They love coming in and getting coffee. Usually we have a line out the door for most of the afternoon while people are shopping," said Lucas Heller.
And coming up next month, there will be a virtual farmers market, too.
Employees at the nearby Pocono Medical Center will be first to order fresh fruit and vegetables and have them delivered.
"It's a win/win. It brings food right to the workplace and it brings opportunity to the farmers, so we're really excited about it."
The farmers market in Stroudsburg is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from now through October.
