Olde Towne plans new ‘Saturday Mornings in Perkasie’ events

May 06, 2010

By: Perkasie News-Herald

By Emily Morris
News-Herald Editor

Many in the area are already familiar with the joys of meandering the shops in Perkasie on a Saturday morning, but Perkasie Olde Towne Association wants to spread that joy to a larger crowd.

Perkasie Olde Towne Association President Joe Ferry went before Perkasie Borough Council Monday, May 3, to seek approval for POTA’s newest line-up for localistas and locavores alike, a bimonthly event called “Saturday Mornings in Perkasie.”

The event would be held the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. to noon beginning May 22 and carrying through October, Ferry said, and would welcome area residents as well as those from outside the area to come visit the borough’s shops and sights.

To attract more people, the event will likely regularly feature live entertainment like bands or music, jugglers or even street performers, Ferry said. Additionally, POTA is working on a passport program that would encourage visitors to check-in at five local businesses to receive specials and visit more businesses off the beaten path in the core Olde Towne district. Those who visited all five would then be entered in a contest for a prize, Ferry said.

“It’ll expand the reach of our efforts,” Ferry said. “We want to engage as many businesses as possible in this whole thing.”

To do that, Olde Towne is also hoping to partner with the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce and the borough itself.

And, the event is also aiming to revive the defunct Perkasie Farmers’ Market, which disappeared a couple years ago when it came time to move as a result of expected development at Seventh and Market streets, where the market was regularly held. However, due to the economic downturn, that development is currently on hold and both owners of the vacant property on the corner of Seventh and Market — SF Day Realty and Gwynedd Builders — agreed to allow the return of the farmers’ market, Ferry said.

Ferry said POTA has reached out to several farmers in the area to see if they’re interested in returning, and has some vendors lined up.

Council Vice President Rich Hendricks said that when the farmers’ market was asked to move originally, it was to move to the Eighth and Market Street borough parking lot location. At the time, there was some question about visibility, as the lot is over the hill from the main drag on Market Street. However, others on council felt the larger lot would allow the farmers’ market to expand and bring in more vendors.

Hendricks suggested POTA consider the option of using the Eighth Street lot if it might help. Councilman Jim Purcell also suggested promoting the lot on Sixth and Walnut streets for parking or some other use as well.

“I certainly support your efforts,” Hendricks said of the overall project. “Anything to help promote our town is welcome by me.”

Purcell said he recalled the farmers’ market being popular when it was last being held regularly, with visitors coming from “all over the area for fresh produce.”

Ferry said the newer businesses in the borough are “excited” to have the opportunity to join the promotion to get more local residents in, but also those from neighboring towns.

Councilwoman Barbara Krantz said the regular event also sounded like it would be family friendly.

Ferry agreed, and stressed that POTA was planning to provide enough entertainment to make a full morning.

“It’ll be enough to keep people interested for several hours,” Ferry said.

The event would likely be held rain or shine as visitors can take shelter in shops and there will be tents for some events, Ferry said. The farmers’ market was always held rain or shine as well, he said.

Ferry said the event would not result in street closures, but POTA may request electricity for live entertainment if needed during certain weeks.

The event will be promoted through standard advertising methods, Ferry said, but will also regularly be featured on the Perkasie Olde Towne Association’s website at www.perkasieoldetowne.org.

The event is just one part of POTA’s goal to add more events this year beyond its normal annual events like the Under the Stars Car Show and Hot Ribs, Cool Music, Ferry said.

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