The foam machine was a big hit with the children.

The summer season officially began in Sistersville as the first Local Farmers Market of the year drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to Sistersville Park on Tuesday, June 3.

Despite the hot temperatures, families turned out in droves between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening packed with food, fun, music, and community activities throughout the park and under the shelter.

Children were treated to a variety of attractions, including the popular foam machine and colorful face painting by Angela’s Misfits, both sponsored by the Local Farmers Market. The Tyler County Family Support Center hosted a table where kids had the chance to create custom Father’s Day handprint crafts to take home.

Food vendors offered plenty of delicious options for hungry attendees. Poor Daddy’s Woodfire Pizza served up fresh slices, while VanCamp Farms Blizzard Bites offered refreshing specialty drinks, and sweet treats. Ice cream was provided by the Stalder Family Creamery and had long lines all evening.

Many familiar vendors from past seasons returned to the market, joined by a notable new addition Galaxy Grocery Store. The new vendor offered an array of West Virginia made goods and fresh, locally grown produce.

Live music added to the festive atmosphere, with Josh Rice hosting musicians on stage and keeping the tunes lively throughout the evening, providing a vibrant soundtrack for visitors to enjoy as they explored the market.

A highlight of the event was a free Pickleball clinic hosted by community members Mr. and Mrs. Richard Summers. A young crowd of enthusiastic students of different skill levels participated, learning the basics of this increasingly popular sport.

Also, drawing interest was the educational Soil Trailer and Tunnel Experience, presented with help from WVFMA’s Executive Director Holly Morgan and UOCD’s Outreach Coordinator John Jennings. The display gave visitors a hands-on look at soil health and local agriculture.

Other participating vendors were Franklins Farmstand; Danielle & Kids ; Fulks Family ; Holistic Happenings; C & C Cattle Company; Handmade by Haley “Clancy’s Candy”; VanCamp Farms Blizzard Bites ; Valhalla Ranch; Buccellas; TC’s Candy; Galaxy Food Center; Lady Grey Armament; Willow Island Farms; Angela’s Misfits; Tyler County Family Support Center; West Virginia Farmers Market Association; West Virginia Department of Agriculture ; Upper Ohio Valley Conservation District; Mr. & Mrs. Summers + Sistersville Pickleball Crew; Sistersville Park and Pool; Westbrook Health Services; WIC; Mountain Mama Music Festival: Sunshine Murphy; Poor Daddy’s Pizza; Stalders Family Creamery; *Face painting and foam machine was paid for and free for all attending – Sponsored by The Local Farmers Market*

With strong community participation and a wide variety of offerings, the Sistersville Farmers Market’s opening day was a resounding success and set a high bar for the rest of the season.