Produce shown from previous years at the KSQ Farmers Market.
As the KSQ Farmers Market enters its 25th season, the roots of this bountiful community grow even stronger and deeper. Much like the ground that yields the nourishing produce that feeds our bodies, the KSQ Farmers Market nurtures all who enter, cultivating growth, connection, and a shared sense of belonging.
Now, at a new location outside Borough Hall, a diverse community of farmers, makers, and artisans will continue to provide the best and freshest our area offers to the Kennett Square community. You may know 600 S. Broad as the location of other popular events like Kennett Brewfest, Winterfest, and Clover Market.
Find the KSQ Farmers Market in the parking lot of 600 S. Broad every Friday—with the Full Season commencing on Friday, May 3rd at 3 pm.
The new location is just down the road from The Creamery on Birch Street, which has hosted the market for the past four years. The same welcoming spirit experienced there will continue to weave producers and shoppers together at Borough Hall.
The Creamery and Square Roots Collective offered use of their lot in 2020 after COVID-19 restrictions made the previous location too small. Ros Fenton, who manages the market, expresses gratitude on behalf of the market community: “The move to The Creamery during COVID bolstered the community and farmers when needed most and gave us space to grow. We are all so grateful for their generosity and hospitality over the past few years!”
At 600 Broad, the KSQ Farmer’s Market is once again set up for new growth. “We’re excited to be bringing more vendors than ever before to the market this season,” added Fenton. “Plus there will be ample onsite parking for customers and vendors alike.”
The farmers at KSQ sell what they grow, harvesting only what’s ripe, fresh, and truly in season locally from their small, local farms. The quality and flavor exceed what you can find at big-box grocery stores, as local farmers can focus on varieties that grow well in our region and don’t have to hold up to traveling thousands of miles to reach our plates. Also unique to the farmers market shopping experience, you get to know the people who grow and make your food as you shop, making meaningful connections with others in the community.
With almost 40 producers participating either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, every Friday brings a unique blend, inviting exploration of new products while providing a comforting familiarity. Signing up for the “What’s Fresh” newsletter at ksqfarmersmarket.com is the best way to have a heads up on who and what is at market each week.
Newcomers to the Market this season include Madi’s on a Roll, Succession Fermentory and Revolution Bees meads, joining once a month. Another monthly addition is Wild for Salmon, Pennsylvania-based fishermen who catch their salmon in the wild of Alaska, flash-freezing it to preserve the fresh flavor and nutrients.
Of course, many familiar favorites remain as the backbone of the Market. Farms producing fresh, local produce include Brewer’s Hideaway, Swallow Hill, Full Table, Rex Farms Orchard (returning mid-May), and King’s Sweet Corn + Produce (returning in June). Brandywine Valley Bread never fails to bring incredible sourdough breads and pastries, and baked goods from Tat’s Yummies are a highly anticipated treat. Lindenhof Farm offers only the finest and freshest grass-fed and pasture-raised meats and eggs. And, of course, our legen-dairy producers return, spanning cow and goat options from Fiddle Creek, Birchrun Hills, and Amazing Acres.
Rounding out this robust lineup are other small food producers and artisans including local honey, fresh flower bouquets, jams and preserves, spices and teas, Mexican fare, fresh pastas, fresh nut butters, dog treats, natural body care, wine, and more!
One of the guiding principles of the KSQ Farmers Market is to be a gathering place for the community to support, promote, and encourage individuals and organizations. A long-standing collaboration has endured with KACS, Kennett Area Community Services, by collecting dry goods to help fill their food pantry. This season, this collection will expand to include fresh produce. Market shoppers can purchase from farmers and donate on the spot to provide even healthier local foods to KACS. To make this possible, Liam from Full Table Farm will generously keep the produce refrigerated until early the following Monday when a KACS volunteer will pick up. “Liam and KACS worked together to make this fresh effort attainable, and we are so excited for our partnership with KACS to grow in this way!” says market manager Ros Fenton.
Regular shoppers will also find other organizations popping up at the Market throughout the season. Wastewell will be on hand bi-weekly for composting collection, and Bike Kennett plans to offer assistance with bike repairs on the first Friday of each month.
“The KSQ Farmers Market is Kennett Collaborative’s longest-running community program,” shares Executive Director Daniel Embree. “Entering its 25th season, we’re celebrating the many ways the market has benefited Kennett. It’s been a gathering place for friends and neighbors, a small business incubator, a school to learn about the ecosystem, a movement promoting healthy eating, and even a way to help others. It’s also just a great place to buy delicious carrots in season!”
Come and join us on Friday, May 3rd, 3-6 pm—and every Friday after. To our loyal locals, curious newcomers, and our extraordinary local farmers and makers, we look forward to continuing to grow community together!
