Founded
2002
Mission
Souderton Telford Main Streets (STMS) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the revitalization of Souderton and Telford Boroughs. STMS advocates the revitalization and sustainability of both communities to advance the quality of life for the people who live and work here. They promote the unique assets of each borough, foster the growth of business and residential neighborhoods and guide development to enrich our communities.
What They Do
- Art Jam
- Indian Valley Farmer’s Market
- Oktoberfest
- Souderton Parade
- Souderton Tree Lighting
- So You Think You Can Cook
- Telford Tree Lighting
At the Indian Valley Farmer’s Market, it’s all about community. “We love seeing the local vendors and folks that are in the community.” says Ralph Mazenko, a patron of the market, accompanied by his daughter, Sophie. “Supporting small businesses, tasting products, and hearing great music is always a nice thing too.” No matter who we spoke to, an organizer, vendor, or attendee, we heard a similar trend of “community” throughout, and we’re sure the same can be said for all the happenings under the umbrella of Souderton Telford Main Streets (STMS).
STMS is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the revitalization of Souderton and Telford Boroughs. This volunteer-driven organization was founded in 2000 with the planning out of short-, medium- and long-term goals for both communities. With funding from the Pennsylvania Main Street program for staff and projects, the the Souderton-Telford Community Development Corporation was incorporated in 2002. Over the years, the STMS has come to manage great events such as Tree Lighting Ceremonies, Parades, Cooking Contests, an Oktoberfest celebration and of course, one of the longest tenured STMS events, The Indian Valley Farmer’s Market (IVFM).
The IVFM) has been in operation for 16 years and is entirely run by volunteers. Pam Baker who is on her second go round as a board member, has been volunteering with the market since its inception. “It’s such a great way to have the community involved with the vendors and to bring in people from all over the place to enjoy our neighborhood. Some folks come out just to walk and talk so we’ve added a bistro area for them to sit and enjoy. Right next to that is our kids crafts which is a huge hit; the kids drag their parents to the Farmers Market just for the crafts.”
One of the great things that sets the Indian Valley Farmer’s Market apart from other markets, is that it is strictly for producers only. Every product offered at this market is being sold by the grower, maker or crafter. We caught up with one of the maker/crafters at the market, Tony Williams of A.T. Williams Creations. “I’m a furniture maker by trade. Everything I sell at my booth are the offcuts from the furniture I make. I don’t believe in throwing away any wood because most of the stuff I use are exotic woods from all over the world. The scraps turn into jewelry boxes, if the scrap is too small, then cutting boards, etc.”
“Here at Indian Valley, we have our full spread of seasonal produce so everything from your zucchini and cucumber, to your specialty items like candy onions, white peaches and things like that.” says Katie of Windy Springs Farm. “We love that it is family oriented. We’ve been to other markets that were very commercialized and didn’t feel like a farmer’s market. This has the small town feel and you get to know your customers, so you can educate them, and they get to know their farmers.”
As we began to purchase items from some of the great vendors, Pam filled us in on one of the newer additions to the market, their Frequent Buyer Program. “We provide cards for the attendees that have numbers 1 through 10. As they buy stuff from the vendors, they get marked off and once you get 10, it is entered into a raffle that’s selected once a month. Each vendor gives us something for the raffle and it typically values over $150 for the winner” With so many great vendors like Small Batch Kitchen, Bishop Estate Vineyard & Winery, and My Sisters Bags, it should be pretty easy to get to that 10 on your very first visit to Indian Valley!
The Indian Valley Farmers Market also has a great local sponsor in A & T Chevrolet Subaru which affords them the ability to keep the market going throughout the summer and fall, closing each October and opening again in June. To learn more about this great farmer’s market and other events managed by SoudertonTelford Main Streets, visit them at stmainst.org and follow them on facebook at @stmain, on instagram @stmainst, or on twitter at @STMainST and don’t forget to try the corn!
