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NEW INDOOR WINTER FARMERS MARKET DEBUTS AT STEELSTACKS JAN. 14

DATE: Jan. 6, 2012
CONTACT: Mark Demko, ArtsQuest, 610-332-1300, ext. 342, or mdemko@artsquest.org

BETHLEHEM, PA—Locally grown produce, organic meats, artisan breads, fresh baked goods and more await visitors to the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, when the SteelStacks Winter Farmers Market debuts Jan. 14. The market, which will be held in the Lee & Stella Yee Family Connect Zone on the first floor of the ArtsQuest Center, will be open every Saturday, noon-4 p.m., through March 31. Opening day activities at the market will include a "Healthy Lifestyle Changes" interactive nutritional game hosted by Dr. Meagan Grega and Eric Ruth of the Kellyn Foundation, as well as a fun craft activity in which children can make their own backyard birdfeeders using pine cones, peanut butter and birdseed.

Each week the SteelStacks Winter Farmers Market will feature seven vendors (please see the end of the news release for the complete list of vendors) showcasing some of the best and freshest foods the region has to offer including locally grown vegetables, grass-fed beef, organic cheeses, handmade soaps and alpaca wool products. All of the products at the market are grown, raised and produced locally, with the market a proud member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of "Buy Fresh Buy Local."

"Farmers markets promote sustainability, support local growers and businesses, and contribute to the health and well-being of the community," says SteelStacks Farmers Market Manager Lorraine Torrella. "Following the success of the outdoor Farmers Market at SteelStacks this year, we're very excited to launch this new indoor market, which will provide our community with an excellent resource for purchasing and enjoying the delicious, fresh foods that are grown and produced right here in our own backyard."

While the farmer's market will be a highlight of Saturday afternoons at the ArtsQuest Center, it's certainly not the only attraction at the contemporary performing arts center on weekends. On Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, the TD Bank Community Stage in the Capital BlueCross Creativity Commons will feature free concerts by some of the region's most talented artists, and on Saturday mornings, children of all ages are invited to enjoy great musicians, magicians and children's performers during the free Peas & Qs family series (please see the complete performance schedule at the end of the news release). In addition, the Frank Banko Alehouse will showcase some of the season's hottest independent films, while the Mike and Ike Bistro will offer a delicious menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts that will satisfy even the hungriest appetite.

The SteelStacks Farmers Market, which is generously supported by Capital BlueCross, is equipped to accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), which allows participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a federal account to a retailer to pay for fresh foods. EBT Access Cards can be used to purchase vegetables, breads and baked goods, meats, dairy products, honey and more.

ABOUT ARTSQUEST

ArtsQuest™ is a Bethlehem, PA-based nonprofit dedicated to presenting music, arts, festivals, cultural experiences and educational and outreach programs that aid in economic development, urban revitalization and community enrichment. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest®; the Banana Factory® cultural arts and education center; and the ArtsQuest Center and SteelStacks™ arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest's programming reaches more than 1.5 million people annually.

For more information on ArtsQuest, visit www.artsquest.org or call 610-332-1300.