MILFORD, PA — From organic, locally sourced vegetables and grass-fed meats to a dazzling variety of homemade juice mixes, raw salads and soups; from scented soaps and candles to gourmet coffee beans to organic pet food, Milford’s farmers market has taken another leap forward, and Sunday afternoons just won’t be the same in downtown Milford. Oh! and don’t forget the frittatas, wool items, plants and jams; and throw in free, live music.

At its new home on the grounds of the Grotto Restaurant (508 W. Harford St.), market vendors not only get returning, loyal customers from last year, but also atttract many out-of-towners who stop on their way through town, now that the market is more visible to passing traffic. “It’s a more convenient location, a lot more people stumble in,” said Anca Pulis, market manager.

“Our sales are up by about 25%,” said Louise Wallace, the owner of Highland Farms food stall, which is covered by an eye-catching red marquee this year. On offer are raw salads and innovative juice mixes made by hand in the owner’s kitchen.

Jolie DeFeis, a founding member of Air Soil Water, which started the market, explained, “The Milford Farmers Market lifts business sales, even for the other businesses around. We’ve had reports Milford Farms [the old Grand Union] sales are up on Sundays.” Milford Farms is almost opposite the new location on the other side of the street.

The Grotto’s owner Adam Heygood was making frittatas at the market. “I think it’s great to have the Farmers’ Market here,” he said. “Everything’s good, it’s natural products, and people are shopping. It’s also good for the community, and it brings people here to this area. It’s a community effort. I think every Sunday has been busy.”

Pulis said, “The visitors have numbered 400 to 500 each Sunday, about 100 per hour. It’s been pretty full all day.”

David Wallace, another Air Soil Water founding member not only played the guitar for the crowds, but also got serious about the idea behind farmers’ markets. “We’re happy with the success of this market, but it’s all about sustainability,” he explained. Buying from local farmers and staying local helps everyone, he added.

The visitors The River Reporter talked to were enjoying the ambiance and biting into the delicious treats. Tanya Lauder who visited from Sugarloaf, NY, summed it up, “I bought four different kinds of salad (from Highland Farms), and they’re all very good.”

The Milford Farmers Market is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.