MANAYUNK

By Tiffany Sellers and Rachel Jenkins

It’s that time of the year again! Fresh seasonal veggies, fruits and jams – thinking of a farmers’ market? You’re spot on — look no further than Pretzel Park! With convenient hours and a variety of different vendors, the Pretzel Park Farmers’ Market is your Saturday stop.

Saturday, May 13 is the first Farmers’ Market of the year. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by the Lancaster Organic Growers stand for everything from organic produce to all-natural honey to fresh flowers. The Kennett Square Specialties stand will be there with everyone’s favorite fungus — mushrooms! Take your pick from varieties like portobello, crimini, and shiitake. Both vendors will be returning every Saturday throughout the summer and fall, so you can stock your pantry all season. If you are looking for unique heirloom produce and herbs to spice up your dinners, Roxborough-based Liberty Plants will be there on the 13th, and bi-weekly through the season. To top off your meals with a little something extra, look for Offbeat Gourmet with their gourmet premium condiments, made with 100% fresh ingredients.

As usual, this year’s Farmers’ Market will boast more than just food. On May 13th, you can also purchase quality bath soaps and cleaning products from The Tilted Haggis Soap Company stand. Their soaps, lotions, scrubs, and massage oils are all-natural and homemade (and we all know homemade is better!). Finally, if you’re new to the neighborhood or just want to hang out, feel free to bring picnic supplies for the park’s first weekly “BYOP: Bring Your Own Picnic” gathering. From 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., this family-friendly event is the perfect way to get to know your neighbors.

The market isn’t the only reason to love Pretzel Park on May 13, because it’s also LOVE Your Park Day! In between stocking up on produce, you can volunteer to help make improvements in the park. The Friends of Pretzel Park need help with spring planting and general clean-up to keep our neighborhood hub looking beautiful in the warmer months ahead. To sign up, click here.

As is tradition, the Pretzel Park Farmers’ Market will continue from May through November, with new vendors and activities every Saturday. Here’s what else you can expect for the first month:

May 13 - First vendors, first BYOPicnic, LOVE Your Park
May 27 - Memorial Day Tribute to Robert Service
June 3 - The Battle for the Pretzel: Pokémon in the Park
June 10 - Joe Tayoun’s Drum Circle (with extra drums for your participation!)
June 16 - First “Barks on Tap” (Bring your pooches to the park while you enjoy a beer garden)
June 17 - Philly Typewriter Presents: Typewriter Day
June 24 - First Twilight Concert at 6 p.m. featuring The Mideast Ensemble with food by Blind Pig BBQ

Time to clear your calendars for a long season of warm weather, great food, and the best company in Pretzel Park! Stay tuned for more vendors and events every Saturday throughout the summer here.