BETHLEHEM, Pa. — What some say is the gem of West Bethlehem is in for new asphalt pathways, lighting upgrades and new bike racks and litter receptacles by way of $50,000 from the commonwealth.
The near-century-old Bethlehem Rose Garden, at West Union Boulevard and Eighth Avenue, recently was approved for the funding through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
“I know that the lighting was something that the volunteers were looking for, so I’m glad to hear that,” City Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek said.
City Council on July 15 held its first reading on a related budget amendment ordinance.
The park surrounding the garden features a bandshell for public performances, including the Live in the Garden concert series, a farmers’ market from June to October and a replica of the first home built in Bethlehem (also home to the city chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution).
Farmers' market 'has really taken off'
Approaching 20 years as a group, Mount Airy Neighborhood Association oversees the Rose Garden Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, June through October.
The grant comes as the market is seeing great success in its ninth year, according to Mary Toulouse, head of the association.
“I’m pleased to report that it has really taken off. We have been averaging about 500 shoppers a week thus far, with a record high of 800."Mary Toulouse, head of the Mount Airy Neighborhood Association, on turnout for the Rose Garden Farmers' Market
“I’m pleased to report that it has really taken off,” Toulouse said. “We have been averaging about 500 shoppers a week thus far, with a record high of 800.
"We’ve always had a strong social media presence, but this year we were also able to expand our visibility through on-site marketing and thanks, in large part, to the city support of this.”
She said some of the event’s success could be tied to new promotional banners on utility poles along Eighth Avenue; MANA purchased the flags and hardware, and the city handled the installation.
'An ideal spot'
Market vendors account for 30 tables total, though some of them only attend on alternating weeks, she said.
There’s been a notable rise in nonprofit groups applying to take part, Toulouse said, and some vendors donate their surplus products to Essentials Café — a pay-what-you-can ministry from the folks of West Side Moravian Church serving breakfast and lunch five days a week.
Toulouse said MANA charges no fees to local nonprofits approved to set up at the market.
“I have seen it grow over the years. I really feel it is an ideal spot for such a market and been pleased to see increased vendors.”Bethlehem City Councilwoman Kiera Wilhelm
Councilwoman Kiera Wilhelm said to Toulouse, “I just wanted to congratulate you on the Rose Garden Market.
“I have seen it grow over the years. I really feel it is an ideal spot for such a market and been pleased to see increased vendors.”
MANA is made up of hundreds of households spanning from Second to Pennsylvania avenues.
MANA’s moniker originates from the late 1800s, according to its website — “when city dwellers settled here because of the area’s mountainous nature, the fresh air and the view.”
Friends of the Garden volunteers tending to the plethora of plants at the beloved Rose Garden meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
For information on how to join any of the Rose Garden Park happenings, email 18018mana@gmail.com.
