Slatington Borough residents won’t have to travel to a different town for groceries this summer. A newly constructed farmers market will allow community members to be able to do some light produce shopping during the weekend.

Nancy Treskot, president of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and member of the Venture Group, took the podium during Slatington’s Council meeting to speak on a proposed farmers market in the borough.The Blue Mountain Farmers Market will consist of two New Tripoli farms and will set up shop at the Trail Head. The farmers will sell locally grown produce, honey and a few baked goods.“We’ve had requests from people in the area who thought it’d be a great idea since we don’t have a grocery store anymore,” said Treskot.“They are working with the state to accept Access cards at the market. It’s good for the community. It’ll be good fresh vegetables at a reasonable price.”The all-volunteer Venture Group is charged with maintaining both trail head and covered bridge in Slatington. The rent collected from the proposed market would be applied to upcoming projects for both locations. “Internet access, cameras and maintenance work would be paid for with the rent we collect. We won’t ask the borough for any money,” Treskot said.“It will take place underneath the pavilion at the trail head on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.” Treskot said.Councilman David Schnaars raised concerns over parking in the area during market hours.“How much traffic will be there? There is hardly parking now,” he said.“There will only be two farmers. And with people in and out you’re probably only looking at 20 minutes for each person,” Treskot said.“It won’t be any more traffic than a busy weekend.”“My concern is if it gets really busy, and people come to use the trail, will they have trouble getting access to it,” Schnaars asked.“As a community organization, the location is prime and provides a service to people from the area. We’re not just one community anymore. We are Northern Lehigh, and sometimes we have to put aside our little differences and do what’s best for the community,” Treskot said.According to Treskot if the market is successful it may be extended to an additional location at the covered bridge.“We should do this on a trial basis,” Councilman Joseph Wechsler said.“It seems it should be talked about a little bit more,” said Councilman Byron Reed.“It should go through proper channels, I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. We just want to let the farmers know so they can start advertising,” Treskot said.The market will tentatively open Memorial Day weekend.“This is basically a trial run. The Venture Group only has it set up for one year. That’s why we want to start early and let people know about it.”A motion passed to allow the group to set up the market with only two councilmen, Schnaars and Michael Brogan, opposed.