“The winter market is another opportunity to support those hyperlocal businesses, whether that’s making art, homemade baked goods like breads, or growing things,” said Barb Wilson, spokesperson for West Chester Twp.
During the winter, the West Chester Market is on select Saturday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. at Muhlhauser Barn through mid-March. Dates include Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, March 1 and March 15. The Muhlhauser Barn isn’t heated, so guests are encouraged to dress for the weather conditions.
“We have this great venue at the Muhlhauser Barn. It’s not heated, so it’s not available to rent it out for events, but it gets the market vendors out of the cold and the wind and puts them in the barn, so they have some cover from winter weather,” Wilson said. “Plus, the market really gives community members a chance to get out on a Saturday afternoon and support small businesses. West Chester has always been about encouraging that entrepreneurial spirit and the market is a clear definition of that.”
In the warm weather months, the market is in the MidPointe Library parking lot, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive.
Typically, about 12 to 15 vendors participate during the winter, while over 30 merchants are part of the summer market. During the winter, vendors may vary, depending on availability.
The West Chester Market is a producer-only market – so everything is grown locally, made or baked within 100 miles of West Chester.
Some items for sale include breads and baked goods to gourmet popcorn, roasted coffee beans, beer cheese and salsa. In the winter, there’s also a meat vendor and one of the new vendors is a mushroom grower.
Shoppers will also find a variety of handmade items from soaps and essential oils to jewelry, blankets, mittens and scarves. Locally made syrups, honey, jams and jellies are among other customer favorites.
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