Bob Althouse began planning his retirement in 1979 by planting trees.

Today, the retiree sells fruit from those trees and bushes at area farmer's markets. He sold blueberries on a recent evening.

Wednesday nights, between 4 and 8 p.m., Althouse and about 15 other vendors can be found at the Millersville Community Farmer's Market in the George Street Cafe parking lot, 304 N. George St.

Interesting twists make this market an evening out. The cafe serves a meal during those hours, made with vendors' products. On a recent night, the menu included Penne Pesta with Garlic Scape Pesto, served with chicken tenders. Oven-roasted tomatoes and zucchini came from Shuman's Produce Stand, while fruit served in Pavlova Shells came from Althouse as well as Bob Musser's Berries.

Live music also adds to the atmosphere.

Barjo's Hot Pepper Jam is sold there. Barb Slagle spends 10 days a year picking dandelions at their peak for her Dandelion Jam, which tastes like honey. She uses the jam to sweeten herbal teas. She is also known for Jalepeno Jam and a foccacia, pizza-like bread topped with fresh herbs.

Sisters 11-year-old Jessi and 13-year-old Abbey Bailey make custom-beaded jewelry for young customers, along with decorated boxes and bottles filled with sand and seashells. They go by the name, She Sells Seashells By George Street Cafe.

Customers at the market have the choice of all natural, grass-fed beef from Ironstone Spring Farm or beef from Lime Valley Farm, which are fed homegrown, pesticide-free grain. Other vendors, all local, offer seasonal produce, fresh herbs, free-range eggs, baked goods, jams and jellies, heirloom plants, vegetables and crafts.

• Another market featuring live entertainment is the New Holland Farmer's Market, located at the intersection of Main Street (Route 23) and South Roberts Avenue in New Holland. It offers musical entertainment each week.

Manager Ginny Dissinger said the town closes South Roberts Street Saturdays for the market that runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to music, the market has occasional events such as a corn roast and a pottery demonstration. On July 31, characters from Dutch Wonderland will be featured.

Dissinger said this year is the fourth and most successful season for the market, which typically draws about 25 vendors and 400 customers each week. In addition to produce and baked goods, vendors sell deli foods, jewelry and perennial plants. Artist Mary Mohler sketches customers, children or grandchildren. Dissinger said the market has helped revitalize New Holland, where she has lived her entire life.

While tourists shop at the market, Dissinger said, "the success of the market is our local people."

• One of the newest markets in the county can be found in Marietta at 280 W. Front St. (Flanagan Park). It's described as a "volunteer-run, family farmer's market with a focus on locally and sustainably grown produce and goods.

Its guidelines specify, "A vendor must be nature-oriented, meaning the products must be made in Pennsylvania, carry a natural theme, or be made from recycled materials."

Produce from the Threshold Foundation's Dig It Program for youth is sold at this market. Kids' activities take place and local musicians come to perform.

"It's a nice place to gather," Michelle Ciarrocca said. She, along with other volunteers, help get the word out on the market, which opened for the first time June 13.

Marietta Market is open Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. 31. Commodities include honey, fruit, vegetables, florals and cheese. Chestnut Hill Cafe also has a stand.

Recipes
Ironstone Spring Farm Delicious Roast Beef
Ironstone Spring Farm Best-ever Steak Marinade

Staff writer Lynn Schmidt Miller contributed to this story.