September 17, 2024 – Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) and Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D- Lehigh) secured a $250,000 grant to provide necessary updates to the Allentown Fairgrounds and Farmers Market.
“We are fortunate to have such an incredible asset like the fairgrounds in the Lehigh Valley, which host a year-round farmers market and the annual Great Allentown Fair,” said Miller. “My first job was at this very market, and it taught me the value of having access to fresh, local food, as well as a welcoming spot to enjoy a meal. The recent addition of the Brass Rail restaurant further highlights the market’s diverse offerings and its importance to the community.”
Beverly Gruber, the chairwoman and CEO of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, the nonprofit that oversees the fairgrounds and the fair, said the funding will go toward adding ADA-accessible doors, updating the floor in the farmers market and investing in movable bleachers to use for events. The bleachers will be used throughout the year for other events, including the Fall in the Fairgrounds Concert Series
“We are very appreciative of the funds we are receiving,” said Gruber. “With being shut down during the pandemic, various projects were stalled. As you can imagine, with a 135-year-old building, there are always updates that need to be made.”
The farmers market has been in business since 1953 and has more than 50 local vendors in the building.
“The Allentown Fairgrounds is a key hub in Lehigh County,” said Schlossberg. “Every weekend, the Allentown Farmers Market is a destination for thousands of shoppers, including seniors who can walk a couple of blocks to buy fresh food. For the region, the fairgrounds are also the epicenter for our celebration of agriculture, with the Great Allentown Fair reminding us annually about the Lehigh Valley’s farming roots. It is a true pleasure to work with Sen. Miller to secure much-needed funds for the fairgrounds so the next generation of Lehigh Valley residents can continue the traditions this special place cultivates.”
“We must invest in maintaining and updating the fairgrounds to ensure that all of our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy,” added Miller. “Accessibility to resources like these is an important improvement.”
The grant comes via funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.