Playwicki Farm will kick off its seasonal farmer’s market with a special family day celebration.
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Summer is right around the corner, and so is the chance to get the best local food, jewelry and more at Playwicki Farm’s annual farmer’s market in Feasterville. With weekly specials, events and new hours, this year promises to be one of the best yet.
The season kicks off on June 7 from 4–7 p.m. with a special family day celebration. Each vendor will be local and performing demonstrations of their specialty, including a furniture maker and a jewelry vendor creating pieces. While mom and dad shop, there will be plenty of things to keep the kids busy. In addition to a moonbounce sponsored by Solly Brothers Farm in Richboro, there will be a petting zoo, complete with sheep, ducks, and a bee keeper.
“We’re gearing up for a wonderful opening day with a wide array of fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, artisan-type items, olive oils, gourmet vinegars and oils, herbal supplements and organic herbal creations, plants, potions and much more from a host of popular local vendors coupled with special events focusing on activities and giveaways for children,” said June Olson, market manager and Playwicki Farm Foundation board member.
According to Olson, one of the highlights will be new and more flexible hours. Previously, the market closed in the afternoon whereas this year it’s open until 7 p.m. to accommodate the working locals.
“I hope that this will please residents who want to have dinner and then come down after work,” she said.
Olson is a proud member of the Playwicki Farm Foundation, which sponsors all events on the farm. Created in 1996 as an independent, tax-exempt corporation to raise money for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, the foundation raises funds for the repair of Playwicki Farm and the development of educational programs. The seven members are working to raise money for farm renovations in the kitchen. Previously, a room was remodeled to look like a museum after they received antique pieces that belonged to the original owner, and tours were held in the space.
In addition to the farmer’s market, Playwicki hosts an artisan market in the winter, two flea markets in June and October, and a “fun day” in September during which guests participate in fall activities, including decorating the farm with scarecrows made by local residents.
Playwicki’s 6th annual “Taste for Playwicki” will take place Sept. 10 at the Dolphin Swim Club, running concurrently with the last swim day of the season. There will be activities for kids, live music, food from local restaurants and a wine and beer garden.
The historic 110-acre Playwicki Farm is a Lower Southampton Township park open year round dawn to dusk, and features open space, agricultural land, a wildlife habitat, a paved walking and jogging path and children’s play area. The property also contains a variety of prehistoric and archeological sites dating from 7000/6500 BC. Playwicki means “The Place Where Turkeys Run.”
The seasonal farmer’s market opening will kick off the farm’s 23rd anniversary since being acquired by the Lower Southampton Township board of supervisors from the estate of Elizabeth Snodgras. It will run every Wednesday from 4–7 p.m. from June 7 through Sept. 27. It is open and free to the public, and parking is free.
For additional shopping information or to become a vendor, contact Olson at 215–357–7300 ext. 340 or email her at playwicki.farm.foundation.com. People are also invited to become a Friend of the Playwicki Farm Foundation. ••