Fundraising during COVID-19 has been anything but easy, but the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department found a way to connect with patrons and fire department members while utilizing safety precautions — an outdoor Farmers’ Market, held in the department’s parking lot.
The market begins at 1 p.m. on Thursdays and runs until 7 p.m. Some weeks, it includes a food vendor, who sets up by 11 a.m. to provide an opportunity for lunch to those who work at the factories in the Lewis Run area.
Kim Wright, secretary for the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department and coordinator for all fundraising efforts, explained the original idea for the Farmers’ Market was to coincide with bingo, which took place on Thursdays. Then, after three short weeks of bingo, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration again changed the pandemic restrictions and bingo had to be canceled. The Farmers’ Market continued, however, and grew.
“The first week, we had one person,” Wright said. “Now, typically, we have eight vendors. Our biggest week was 14 (vendors).”
Wright noted the Thursday schedule is also an effort to avoid interfering with the Farmers’ Market held on weekends in Bradford.
A walk through the market will see a wide variety of wares on display.
Jody Mason of Country Dreams Market out of Limestone, NY, has fresh produce for sale each week.
Meanwhile, Tosha and Chris make fitted masks for adults and children. The masks are available in a wide variety of patterns, with some licensed fabrics, such as NFL teams, on sale as well.
Wright herself spends time in the kitchen, bringing baked goods that include breads and pies that are available in either apple or pumpkin flavor and pumpkin cookies. She also will have banana marshmallows and pumpkin marshmallows on sale, as well as different varieties of pumpkin muffins and possibly a caramel dip for those interested in the addition for a pie.
Sandy Lindy is another vendor who brings a variety of fruit pies for sale as a sweet treat.
Brian Garges has a stand offering a wide variety of goods, including metal signs, DVDs and Blu-rays and knives.
Another vendor is usually on hand with Pink Zebra products, which include soaps and sprays with a variety of fragrances.
This Thursday, the Lewis Run VFD will be selling homemade beef stew and biscuits.
The market is held every Thursday, with hopes for it to continue as long as the area’s fickle weather cooperates.
Plans are in motion for a Fall Festival theme for the market Oct. 8, which will begin at 11 a.m. and have activities for children. Area residents are encouraged to bring children in costume to the festival. There will also be face painting and cotton candy sales.
