Tucked away from Newtown Square’s noisy roadwork and never ending new construction is a little slice of hometown pride called St. Albans Circle. This hidden gem is home to many diverse local businesses, charming historic buildings and nearby walkable neighborhoods.
It’s also home to the all-new Newtown Square Food and Makers Market, which will take place once a month in May, June, September and October. You may recall that over the past three years, the Farmers Market was a weekly event where local vendors and community members gathered in the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church parking lot to sell goods, enjoy entertainment and promote community involvement.
The market is made possible by a forward-thinking and generous group of volunteers, township officials and community leaders. For the past three years, they have been working together to unlock the potential of the St. Albans Circle area by inviting the community to gather there for new and exciting community happenings. That group is called Gather in the Circle and its mission is to make sure this important and unique part of Newtown Square doesn’t get left behind and that it continues to thrive.
While the previous weekly Farmers Market was successful, the Gather in the Circle committee decided that it was time to evolve for the upcoming season. “We’re thrilled to announce that along with your favorite past vendors, we’ll be adding even more prepared foods and handcrafted goods,” explained Pam Purser, co-chair of Gather in the Circle. She also said that they will be extending hours for your convenience.
It will take place again on Fridays, June 14th, September 13th and October 11th. The market will feature fresh produce from Red Barn Produce, soaps and fragrances by Urban Essence, Traditional Greek Sweets, and artisan fresh breads and prepared foods from Cedar Creek Catering. Other vendors include Buenos Aires Empanadas, Enol Vineyards, 
Dough Sweet, Kastania Olive Oil, MarRosa’s Old World Cuisine, New Road Brinery, Traditional Greek Sweets and Trotter Hill Alpaca Farm.
Pam Purser, co-chair of Gather in the Circle, and Newtown Square Food and Makers’ Market Manager is pleased by the amount
of new vendors, foods and handcrafted goods that will be offered each time. “We will have produce, honey, microgreens, mushrooms, pickles, baked goods, bread, chocolates and cookies,” she remarked. “The list goes on with vendors offering flowers, dog treats, soaps, beauty supplies, olive oil, pasta and sauces and prepared foods like pizza, pretzels, Greek specialties and empanadas.” Pam added that visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase handmade ceramics, textile craft items, wine, liquor and cider.
There will also be weekly entertainment like live music and Newtown Square library’s story time for the family and plenty of room to sit, relax and let the kids run and play. Visitors can also shop at the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church’s thrift shop on the premises and learn about community groups like Newtown Square in Bloom and the Garrett Williamson Foundation.
Pam said, “The farmers market has received great support from the community and Newtown Township over the past few years, and we are thrilled that people want it to continue! It really feels like we’ve filled a need in our community — a need for connection, conversation and fun.” Pam added that she would like visitors to know that the Food and Makers Market is committed to Newtown Square’s mission of promoting sustainability. “We are asking all of our vendors to reduce the use of plastics and encouraging those who shop to bring their reusable bags.”
The Gather in the Circle Committee recognizes the generosity and appreciates the commitment of all the volunteers who help each week. They are also very grateful for our friends at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, who have graciously agreed to host this special event. Pam said that they are always welcoming new volunteers to help set up, direct traffic, clean up and promote the market in our community. “It’s like a block party out there every time, and it’s been fun getting to know all of these business owners,” she said. “I encourage everyone to come out and join the party!”
For more information about the Newtown Square Food and Makers Market and opportunities to volunteer, contact Pam Purser at Pam@GatherInTheCircle.com and follow Newtown Square Food and Makers Market on Facebook and Instagram.