Member News

This is Sherry Allwein’s mission statement for the Lebanon Farmers Market. Allwein, who is originally from New York City but has been a part of the Central PA community for the past 25 years after marrying a Lebanon native, was hired as the Lebanon Farmers Market’s general manager in August of 2014 to “put the place on the map.”
   “The market needs a little TLC, but Lebanon is so lucky to have a farmers market in such a great, old building located in the center of town,” Allwein expressed.
   And how exactly will Allwein put the Lebanon Farmers Market “on the map”? According to her, the market first has to cater to the local population, then to the city as a whole, then the county, the tourist population, and the state in a sort of outward-moving radius. Allwein has also done her research since accepting the general manager position, and hopes to capitalize on the health food/organic and small business craze which is spreading across the country.
   The Lebanon Farmers Market is housed in the old market building located at 35 South 8th Street in Lebanon. This is the same building which housed the original market, and which has also served as a sewing factory and a jail. It is also the site where the famous Blue Eyed Six were put on trial and hanged, leading to suspicions and rumors of the old market building being occupied by some…otherworldly spirits (Boo!).  
   When asked whether or not she believed that the Lebanon Farmers Market was haunted, Allwein merely smiled and said, “I personally have never had any experiences, though I’ve heard stories about people hearing noises or something that’s been moved…Given the amazing amount of history in this building and all of the different things going on here throughout the day, I can see how certain things can lead the imagination.”
   But it is precisely the amazing history and paranormal aura of the Lebanon Farmers Market which Allwein hopes to build upon in order to draw people through the doors. A number of antiques from bygone eras call the market home, and Allwein has plans to collect these into a “mini-museum” located within the market building. She hopes to work in conjunction with the Lebanon County Historical Society on this project to help entice people to both locations.
   What’s also up Allwein’s sleeve? Allwein would like to play off of the paranormal phenomena supposedly surrounding the market building by offering ghost tours sometime later in the year. She would also like to bring in a winery as a vendor to help put the Lebanon Farmers Market on the local wine tour.
   “We’re trying to work more with community-based businesses,” Allwein explained. “We worked with Good Samaritan Hospital for American Heart Month in February. We celebrated National Wear Red Day, and held a cherry pie fundraiser which raised $700 for the hospital. We want to work with other community-based organizations like this so that we can tie in together and help build awareness for each other.”
   Another way Allwein hopes to draw local businesses into the Lebanon Farmers Market is by renting out the mezzanine, which she states is a very “underdeveloped” space filled with opportunity. She’s currently working on hanging TVs on the second floor so that the space can be reserved for special sporting events or for business meetings where presentations can be held. Catering is also available through the market. Allwein works within the set budget she is given by a customer and goes around to her different vendors in order to meet any catering specifications and get a variety of edible goodies perfect for any event.
   Allwein is always on the lookout for vendors, scouting and recruiting different businesses she thinks would help enhance the market. Businesses may also apply directly to be a vendor. Advertising and referrals are two other ways Allwein finds new businesses to set up shop in the market. Currently, the Lebanon Farmers Market has 16 vendors: Annie’s Original Chili Dog, Bliss Boutique Bakery, Candy Rama, Carmany’s Double Twist, Crab Crazy Seafood, Doglicious Bakery, Kauffmans Produce, Keener Poultry, Refresh Café, Sphinx Cuisine, The Gourmet’s Pantry, The Pretzel Twist, TTT Star Sushi, S. Clyde Weaver, What’s Poppin Popcorn Café, and Zig’s Bakery & Deli, LLC.
   A new restaurant is also planned to go in on the third floor of the market building, though Allwein said she will “let the future owners make the official announcement as to what that restaurant will be.”
   One final thing that Allwein has planned for the Lebanon Farmers Market in 2015 is to start holding craft shows or mini-expos to help and bring in “guest vendors.”
   “I want for us to be able to offer something different every week, so that people are always asking, ‘What are they going to have next?’” Allwein said.
   With such a full schedule of events and ideas slotted for 2015, Allwein’s creative planning will indeed help draw locals and tourists alike to the historic Lebanon Farmers Market. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a market vendor, catering options, or mezzanine rental can contact Sherry Allwein by email at sallwein58@gmail.com or by phone at (717) 798-5219. More information on the market is also available at www.lebanonfarmersmarket.com.