Historic Lewes Farmers Market set Sept. 12, 16

At the Sept. 5 market, Mayor Ted Becker pulled the winning raffle ticket for the Historic Lewes Farmers Market’s Barrow of Booze prize.

Congratulations go to Lewes resident Jennie Maloomian, holder of the winning ticket.

This raffle is a two-parter, and there is a second chance to win the other prize, the Fabu-Lewes Feast, which includes eight $125 gift certificates from the best restaurants in the area, also valued at $1,000. Tickets are just $5 each or six for $25 and are available at the Saturday market. The drawing for the Fabu-Lewes Feast will be Saturday, Oct. 3, at the market. Proceeds benefit the HLFM, the nonprofit that manages the markets.

Winter squashes, apples, cider, and a wide variety of greens and lettuces will be introduced at this week’s market, set for 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 12. Carrots are especially sweet and full of flavor in the fall. It’s time to think about roast chicken with autumnal produce, and a big green salad with pears. There’s still eggplant, sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, eggs, honey, jams, pastries, and much more to be found at the market.

Customers can check the HLFM Facebook page for location updates. In case of rain, the market moves to Shields Elementary School parking lot on Sussex Drive off Savannah Road.

The Saturday markets will continue through Sept. 26 at George H.P. Smith Park at the corner of Dupont and Johnson avenues in Lewes. The fall market will begin Saturday, Oct. 3, at Shields Elementary School parking lot and continue through Nov. 21.

The market at Crooked Hammock Brewery will be open from 8 to 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 16 to 30. Located at 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, the Wednesday market is smaller than the Saturday market but has many of its favorite vendors, and new vendors will be added in September.

Customers should subscribe to the free market newsletter by emailing info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org to see specific listings of what’s available by vendor. 

The market continues its partnership with Epworth United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Market customers may purchase local produce, meats, milk, and other items from market growers for donation to the Epworth food pantry after the market closes. It’s a challenging time for many, and this is a good way to get nutritious, local food to community members in need. Market organizers thank customers for their generosity.

Due to COVID-19, the market is very different from last year. The park entrance to the market will be near the gravel path from the circle driveway. There will be a hand-washing station with foot pump at the entrance, and a volunteer will provide sanitizer spray for customers’ hands. There will also be a hand-washing station at the exit. The market’s perimeter is enclosed, with only one entrance and one exit. Only a certain number of customers are allowed in at one time, and everyone in the market must wear a mask.

All market vendor info is available at www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org. Several vendors now take preorders, and customers who preorder should plan their pickup for later in the day to avoid heavy market traffic.

The market will match SNAP up to $20 per market, per customer at the SNAP tent next to the market trailer. SNAP customers should wait their turn to enter the market, then ask volunteers to direct them to the SNAP tent where they will receive their bonus bucks. After receiving their tokens, SNAP customers will be able to enter the market without waiting in line again.

Go to www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org for Delaware Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Customer Rules and general information.