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First Posted: 1/31/2015

WAVERLY — Summer sunshine, green grass, autumn colors, fresh air and outdoor vegetable stands.

These things are likely what pop into most people’s minds when they think of farmers’ markets — not snow, frosty windows, cold air and indoor tables.

But a handful of area farmers and small businesses are proving the farmers’ market potential doesn’t have to end with a season.

The Winter Farmers’ Market at the Comm is held from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday downstairs at the Waverly Community House (the Comm), 1115 N. Abington Road and benefits the non-profit organization’s community programming. Still in its inaugural year, it began at the end of November and will continue through March.

Vendors include: Beta Bread Bakery, of Clarks Summit; Conifer Corner, of Factoryville; Fullers Overlook Farm, of Waverly and No Bull Ranch, of Mount Cobb.

Deanne Garver, of Conifer Corner, said a business owned by her and her husband, Eric Gavrer, has a loyal following of locals who appreciate the fact that their products are available year-round.

“It offers customers continuity throughout the seasons to be able to get fresh local products,” she said.

Mike Krug, a farmer at Overlook, agreed, adding another benefit of a winter farmers’ market is the opportunity for the vendors to make personal connections with the customers, while helping maintain the local economy. Yet another benefit, he said, is the health aspect, as buying locally-produced products is generally more nutritious than purchasing those packaged to ship long distance and perhaps not harvested at the best time.

Stephanie Milewski, of No Bull Ranch, believes it also gives consumers peace of mind, “knowing how the animals are raised and the farming practices.”

Products offered by the four vendors include various breads, scones, rolls, jams, sauces, jerky, fresh vegetables grown in local greenhouses, eggs, bacon, sausage, other meats and more.

“You can put a whole meal together here,” Garver said, “with everything fresh and local.”