Hollidaysburg, Altoona and Bedford recently opened their farmers markets for the season, each location bringing in local farms, restaurants and shops for four hours once a week in their respective downtowns.

It was the second week of operation for the Hollidaysburg farmers market Tuesday afternoon, manager Melanie Ramsey said, noting that many vendors present showcased aspects of local agriculture.

“Everything here, as much as possible, is supposed to go back to local agriculture, making, baking, growing,” she said.

While the market has operated in Hollidaysburg for a while, she said it differs each week according to which vendors are present on that Tuesday.

Mirror photo by Colette Costlow / Siblings Everly Stefan, 7, and Brody Stefan, 4, are pictured making bubbles together at the Hollidaysburg farmers market on Tuesday.

Lisa Rispoli, owner of Rispoli’s Produce, has been a consistent vendor in downtown Hollidaysburg since before the farmers market’s inception.

Rispoli also regularly participates in the Altoona farmers market, which is slated for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Heritage Plaza.

At both locations, she sells her staple items, including honey, eggs and meat products, all of which are fresh and locally grown. But another element of consistency remains with her customers, she said, as she’s recognized a few regulars at the market over the years.

“They’re just a special kind of people that I really feel that they appreciate everything that we’re doing,” she said.

Doug Rhoades of Doug’s Dogs also keeps his menu consistent at the Hollidaysburg market, as he sells hot dogs, hamburgers and cheesesteaks as frequently as he can to hungry customers.

Lynne Shaffer of Deep Well Farm stands behind the counter while shoppers take a look at her products. Mirror photo by Colette Costlow

“It’s been pretty successful, why change it?” he asked rhetorically.

He continues to show up for the market not only to do business but also to socialize with the community, adding that he loves his customers.

Nearby vendors also make the market special, especially when one business needs support in its time of need.

“We do it for the customers, we do it for the community, but we also do it for ourselves,” he said. “So everybody wins.”

Consistent customer love

Because of the welcoming atmosphere surrounding the Hollidaysburg market, the event sees many repeat customers, including mortgage lender Christina Bender.

“We come every single week, and we look forward to it,” she said after visiting Doug’s Dogs and the Pickle Pimp.

She enjoys how many vendors line the street, along with the number of shoppers keeping local shops in business, which adds to Hollidaysburg’s community appeal.

“A lot of times festivals happen, and there’s very low participation, but here we have a lot of participation,” she said.

Friends Matthew Ronan, 16, of Hollidaysburg and Lauren Ronan, 19, of Cresson were standing by the Pickle Pimp stand Tuesday afternoon

Because the restaurant Allegheny Creamery and Crepes is nearby, Lauren said the farmers market is in a convenient location where young adults can also get to know their community.

“There are vendors that you keep seeing every single year there in the summer, and you get to recognize more people,” she said. “The more you see them, the more familiar you are.”

Matthew wanted to swing by the market to buy a drink from the Dirty Soda Shack food truck, one of his favorite vendors at the festival.

“I think it’s cool that you can get everything you want here, and it’s homemade by people. And it shows how they make it, it’s all more natural,” he said.

Even the bubble wands siblings Everly Stefan, 7, and Brody Stefan, 4, played with were homemade, courtesy of the Sunshine and Succulents stand, echoing the event’s commitment to local agriculture and creations.

Leann Stefan brings her children to the market because there is always something fun to do, delicious to eat or warm weather to enjoy.

“I feel like it’s something nice for the kids to look forward to,” she said. “I’m just looking for something for the kids to do for a little bit to get them out of the house, to have some fun that you know is always going to be here.”

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.