Farmers market springs to life in Monongahela

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

More proof of life returning to normal after the year-long COVID-19 pandemic was evident in Monongahela Friday afternoon.

The Monongahela Area Revitalization Corporation held the summer’s opening farmers market at Chess Park.

The popular weekly event features vendors with locally grown produce as well as homemade items such as candles, wine, baked goods and even clothing and household accessories.

The event also featured live music by the Mark Smith Band courtesy of the Mon Valley Academy of the Arts.

The event was held last summer, but due to pandemic restrictions, it was smaller and scaled back.

If Friday’s crowd was any indication, the market is back in full force.

“We see this as a social event as well,” said Cathy Waller, who along with Michelle Clappsaddle sold brooms at the event for the Monongahela-Donora Area Lions Club. “Last year, we only had four vendors and we had to wear masks.”

Waller said this is the eighth year the Lions Club has participated.

“There’s good produce and good snacks,” she said. “It’s just a nice event.”

The event also featured first-time vendors who see the market as a chance for them to provide their goods to the public in a more personable manner.

“It’s very important to meet people in the area and for people to see my products,” said Krissie Wateski, owner of the military-inspired Raised by Wolves Candles. “It’s more of a camaraderie thing.”

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