EASTON, Pa. — Easton is ready to roll out the red carpet for the environment’s pivotal produce pals as the city’s markets celebrate National Pollinator Week.
A vital part of the ecology, pollen is transported by creatures including bees, butterflies and birds from a flower’s male portion, the stamen, to the female portion, the stigma.
That serves as a critical step in the fertilization that yields fruits, seeds and young plants.
- Easton will celebrate National Pollinator Week with special events at the West Ward and Farmers' Markets
- Events will include sweet treats and educational programs to teach kids and adults alike about birds, bees, bugs and other pivotal pollinators
- The celebration starts at the West Ward Market from 3 to 7 p.m. on June 21 and flies over to the Easton Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24
Started by the Pollinator Partnership, this year’s events will emphasize the importance of pollinators when it comes to the climate.
In honor of those little worker bees — and other productive pollinators — Easton’s markets will feature a swarm of celebratory and educational events.
The festivities will take flight at the West Ward Market from 3 to 7 p.m. June 21, and buzz on over to Easton Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24.
'Mammoth impact on our food supply'
With experts warning that pollinators dying because of damage done to their homes and food sources, rising temperatures and natural disasters, it's more important than ever to help those creatures.
“Without pollinators, we would not have most of the wonderful food options that we see throughout the markets. They may be relatively small insects and animals, but they have a mammoth impact on our food supply.”Megan McBride, manager of Easton Market District
In fact, by helping to preserve the life of pollinators, it's possible to help combat climate change by supporting healthy ecosystems, they say.
“Without pollinators, we would not have most of the wonderful food options that we see throughout the markets,” Easton Market District Manager Megan McBride said.
“They may be relatively small insects and animals, but they have a mammoth impact on our food supply.”
At the West Ward Market, Easton Garden Works will hold a free bird box building workshop; Pocono Apiaries will offer a beekeeping talk at 4 p.m.; the Wildlands Conservancy will hold fun activities for all, including make-and-take seed bombs, Monarch caterpillars, butterfly tagging information, and more.
Also, a Power of Produce program for kids will feature sampling and activities centered around fruits and veggies that rely on pollination; and local potter Earthen Goat will be the featured vendor of the week, offering an array of bee-themed pottery.
Music, treats, honey bee tea party
In addition, the Easton/Phillipsburg Branch of the Greater Valley YMCA will hold its monthly “Wacky Wednesday” with field games and fun for kids in Cottingham Stadium, adjacent to the market.
The West Ward Market’s mascot, Westie the Woodpecker, also will make an appearance at 5 p.m., followed by live music with Lancaster duo The Billies from 5 to 7 p.m.
At Easton Farmers’ Market, festivities will feature Honey Bee Day along the riverfront in Scott Park. Besides the sweet eats, treats, and drinks, the Market will offer free bee stickers at the welcome tents as well as new Easton Farmers’ Market bee swag.
Activities at the market will include a beekeeping talk with Funny Farm Apiaries at 9 a.m., another activity set from Wildlands Conservancy featuring make and take seed bombs, Monarch caterpillars, butterfly tagging information, and other hands-on activities starting at 9 a.m.
There will be a Honey Bee Tea Party on the hillside with tea, treats, stories and songs for $5 per child at 10 a.m.
Live music from the Deal Trio, a celebration of the tunes of the Grateful Dead, will be featured on stage starting at 10 a.m.
Guest vendors will include pottery purveyors Earthen Goat and Heart Beet Studio, in addition to Fraktured Hot Sauces.
