(Editor's note: New Era Correspondent Wendy S. Caldwell is completing a co-op in applied anthropology at Millersville University. The program is aimed at understanding sustainable agriculture in Lancaster County. She is contributing stories related to the project throughout the summer.)

When Ginny Dissinger of New Holland retired as a consultant for the engineering firm of Ranck, Lake, Roeder and Hillard, she decided she wanted a new kind of project, one that would benefit New Holland Borough.

That project came to fruition today with the opening of the New Holland Farmers Market, along South Roberts Avenue, just off Main Street.

The market will be open every Saturday through September, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will reopen for the 2008 season in May.

Born and raised in New Holland, Dissinger — who serves as market manager — wanted to develop an attraction that would, as she said, perk up the town.

"I had recently visited the Saturday Morning Market that they have in St. Petersburg, Florida," Dissinger explained. "And I realized that because Lancaster County is such a good farming source, the same kind of open-air market would be perfect here."

The New Holland market currently boasts eight vendors, with plenty of space available for more.

"We want a nice mix of produce, organic beef and fresh flowers, with some quality homemade crafts," Dissinger said.

She also has been helping several Amish families receive state Department of Health certification in order to sell their baked goods and other homemade products.

Dissinger began organizing the market in April, receiving approval from New Holland's borough council and sponsorship from the New Holland Business Association.

She said she believes Lancaster Countians appreciate farmers markets for their cultural significance.

"People want to get back to their roots here, and this kind of market can help do that," she said. "I think more and more towns will begin offering markets where residents can buy local produce, meats and cheeses."

Dissinger called the project her "passion," and acknowledged it has not been easy convincing farmers to give up a Saturday morning to sell their produce at the market.

"Many farmers sell most of their produce either at their roadside stands on Saturdays, or they take it in bulk to the local (produce) auction houses to get rid of it," she said. "We try to promote this as a second business opportunity for these farmers."

The market's mission is to bring locally grown produce and other homemade foods to town in a central location, and to create a desirable setting for both locals and visitors to purchase foods, nursery products, produce and other handmade articles.

Dissinger said the market offers visitors a relaxing place to shop.

"We will have tables and chairs, so people can sit, maybe have some coffee from one of our vendors, and just relax and talk to each other," she said. "Where else do we get to do that?"

The market's current list of standholders includes, according to the Web site:

Organic Acres, which sells organic beef, produce, poultry, fresh flowers, organic homemade ice cream and eggs. Owner Elmer Lapp also will be barbecuing steak, chicken and burgers each Saturday.

Glo-Bee Cards and Stationery, featuring homemade cards, gifts and stationery.

Du'Jour Catering Service, featuring sandwiches and soup.

Westview Farms Produce.

Hope Springs Farm, offering eight different types of organic cheese.

Valley View Country Store and Antique Co-op, featuring handmade items.

New Holland Coffee Co.

Local artist Mary Mohler, with original watercolors, quilts and portraits (drawn at market).

Vendors interested in participating in the New Holland Farmers Market should call Ginny Dissinger at 354-2406 or Shirley Morgan at 445-5035.

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ON THE NET:
www.newhollandfarmersmarket.com