By Laura Lefko
(August 31, 2022) — The Parmelee Farm Artisan Market will be held at Parmelee Farm on Route 81 in Killingworth on September 10, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., rain or shine. I had a chance to speak with Karen Milano, one of the people who started the market in 2014 along with her good friend Susan Hotkowski. Susan now runs the popular Chester Sunday Market. Linda Dudek joined Karen as her partner a year later.
Linda and Karen were both members of what was originally called the “Parmelee Farm Steering Committee,” a group of appointed volunteers who were dedicated to the resurrection of the Farm as a gathering place for the community. The goal of the market was to raise funds to support the ongoing work at Parmelee Farm. The market originally began as a monthly summer event and over time evolved into a yearly event that is loved by all of Killingworth and the surrounding towns.
Karen and Linda work independently throughout the year to assemble the market. They enlist a large group of friends, civic groups, and the rest of the current Parmelee Farm Committee to help out on market day and throughout the year to assist in their efforts.
The market utilizes the entire grounds of the Farm; with 90 or more vendors, there is “something for everyone.” All artisan ware is hand-made by quality artisans, some of whom are our neighbors right here in Killingworth. You’ll find woodcraft, cutlery, jewelry, pottery, soaps and lotions, clothing, furniture, pet products, alpaca products, candles, local honey and florals, wreaths, glass art, paintings, photography, handbags, farm produce, jams and sauces, and so much more. Literally “something for everyone.”
Also represented are the nonprofits that do so much to help the community; the Lions Club, the Killingworth Women’s Organization (KWO), HK Backpack Program, Save Deer Lake and Helping Hands Food Pantry all will have a presence at the market. The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company will be selling breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs all day to raise funds to support their efforts. Tee Shirts to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Fire Company will also be available via their Auxiliary.
The market is pet-friendly, and Rover is welcome; he must be well-behaved and be on a leash at all times. Free parking, free admission. When the Parmelee Farm parking lot is full, you can park at the HK Middle School next door; there is a short, marked and easy-to-walk trail from the school to the market grounds.
Photos courtesy of Parmelee Farm Artisan Market.
