Fox Chapel Farmers Market enjoys success in 9th season
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The smell of freshly baked pizza wafted across the campus of Shady Side Academy Senior School on a Wednesday afternoon while the sounds of jazz played in the background.
Dozens of people strolled between vendors at the Fox Chapel Farmers Market, in its ninth season, near the school’s McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation at 423 Fox Chapel Road.
The Fox Chapel market, nestled in the parking lot from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, runs through Oct. 23.
On any given week, offerings might include fruits and veggies, potted plants, baked goods, small-batch coffee, cheesecake, wood-fired pizza, herb-infused cleaning products and fresh mushrooms.
“I think my family’s been coming since it started,” Susie Pisarcik said. Her family runs Pisarcik Flower Farm in Valencia and transports vibrant sunflowers and fresh tomatoes, among other goodies, each week to the market.
Pisarcik was among vendors who each week show off fresh-grown veggies and fruits, handcrafted jewelry and organic cleaning items.
There’s lemonade squeezed on the spot, made-to-order pizza and raw honey.
Steve Nonn, owner of Old Tin Roof Farm in Upper Burrell, said he hopes that shoppers take advantage of hearty and healthy products.
“We believe everyone should have the good stuff,” Nonn said.
Family-owned since 1932, the farm produces berries, herbs and several varieties of garlic, along with other vegetables and flowers.
Nonn said he follows sustainable practices and selects heirloom varieties when possible to give people “the old-time flavors of years past.”
Jeweler Natalie Ferrante said she enjoys the farmers market because it gives her a chance to talk to customers about her “wearable healing art.”
The artisan and owner of 412Beads will customize bracelets from stones that include lava and semi-precious materials.
“People believe that crystals have certain energies,” she said.
Vendors this season include 412 Beads, A & L Sharpening Services LLC, Atelier Glass Studio, Barlow Bakes LLC, The Bluegrass Kitchen, Cindy’s Munchies, Curly Tailed Coffee, Cutting Root Farm & Apothecary, Earth Wheel & Fire Mobile Pizza, Hannah’s Honey, Lamb’s Ear Farm, Old Tin Roof Farm, Olive & Marlowe, Park Street Treats, Pisarcik Flower Farm, Pop Up in Pittsburgh, Santarcangelo Italian Specialties, Soul Home Sanctuary, Sturges Orchards, Tauberg Chiropractic Rehabilitation LLC, Ultra Matcha and Version Textile.
The market is managed in part by Shady Side Academy students.
For more, visit ShadySideAcademy.org/FarmersMarket.