Butler-based farmers are gearing up for the Butler Farmers Market opening day on May 27.

This year, the event’s organizers plan to continue adding events and attractions as well as increasing the variety of products and vendors to best serve area residents.

“It is vitally important to bring fresh, local food to the tables of the people of Butler,”said Bob Dandoy, chair of the Farmers Market Committee through Butler Downtown. “It’s called farm to fork.”

Dandoy said that the Farmers Market gives local farmers, vendors and craftsman a way to make some money while promoting the wellness of the region and its residents.

“It’s great healthy eating, and it has good environmental impact because everything’s local you don’t have all the shipping,” he said.

In past years, the market has had vendors of all types, shapes and sizes. From farmers selling produce, meat, eggs and dairy to breweries and distilleries to craftsmen and gardeners, the Butler Farmers Market encourages everyone and anyone to join in.

“Almost anyone with a local product can register,” Dandoy said. “We have room for venders, craftsmen, anything like that.”

The event’s organizers hope the market will also be a place for neighbors to come together and enjoy the community.

“It’s not just about food, It’s also a social experience.” said Dandoy. “Last year, people would stay all day. They’d do their shopping and make a day of it.”

Dandoy said this has also made the market a good incubator for local businesses.

“People would see their neighbors and talk, and then they might go get a coffee or visit the other stores in Butler,” Dandoy said. Local businesses can also reserve space at the market to showcase and test new products and offerings to gauge customers’ responses.

In recent years the Butler Farmers Market has incorporated music, demonstrations and other attractions.

“We’re bringing back Market Music in the Morning,” Dandoy said. That is, live music played on Saturday mornings for the attendees of the Farmers Market.

“We’re working with the (Penn State) Master Gardeners. They’ll have a booth down there on a regular basis for demonstrations.”

The market will feature baking demonstrations, local performers and events with games and prizes.

The Butler Farmers Market is looking for anyone who would like to register as a vendor.

The Market accepts registrations all throughout the summer, and vendors can sign up on a year, half-year or weekly basis.

“If someone in the middle of the summer decides they want to try it, we’ll fix it up; don’t worry about it,” Dandoy said.

The Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 205 S. Chestnut St.

To register or for more information, send an email to info@butlerdowntown.org, or call 724-256-5769. Information also is posted on the Butler City Farmers Market Facebook Page and at butlerdowntown.org.