Leesport Farmers Market — Attraction in Ontelaunee Township

It has been a fairly decent market/flea market in many years past. Still gets a bit crowded during warmer months (and certain times during the day), all though we can't say for sure anymore, as it has been a number of years since we were regulars that could come either once a month to a few times a month. We find better offerings on occasion at better markets in other regions (prices as well as better goods). Some of the indoor and outdoor vendors have come and gone (and it's usually some of the nicer ones). You'll likely find it quite a bit hit and miss on finding many things you might be looking for. On occasion you might come across half decent prices on some of the produce and other food items. Unfortunately for some markets like this some vendors don't keep track of what prices some things can be had for in various other venues. Many often charge just as much or more than what major supermarkets REGULARLY charge for various food items, and rarely compete with the routine sale prices those same major supermarkets offer. For some vendors that are the farmers themselves (that can sell to major supermarkets) one would think they could always offer better direct from the grower/butcher prices. But if a major supermarket (or other places) can charge a lot less than them and still make a profit after buying from them, it certainly makes it appear they take advantage of some situations that don't have an additional middle man or two. Then just reap the extra profit themselves that they don't try and charge to the various markets they sell to. Essentially some of the vendors need to better price some of their wares (by pricing around all kinds of venues), the property owners to get more enclosures to some areas to offer more enclosed areas for the colder months, plus maybe offer slightly better rates for some of the regular vendors to keep some around for long time routine vendors, and not to mention better maintain the lot by a professional paver/grader (continued sloppy or no maintenence for decades on stony/dirt lots just kind of wears on some customers views of the place - put a bit of pride in your place and offer A LOT better curb appeal). Don't let it turn into the super sloppy absentee owners type of thing that has...

Sad to see this market beginning to join the others in fading from the scene. The flea market section seems to be the only vibrant constant and is still fun to visit. However. many of my favorite dealers are gone. One vendor said many have left due to disputes with management Bixler'sMeats,Wegman's,PeterPiperPickles, Vic the bee guy, the coffee shop,some good bakers are still there, but it seems every time a quality vendor leaves, they are replaced by a flea market type vendor. The only food stands that looked clean and appealing were the pizza place, Wegman's and a sandwich shop beside the pizza place. The other stands that were open during my visit did not appear clean or the food was not appealing. During the growing season months there are fresh fruits and vegetables available but now it looks like everything comes from the Kutztown Produce Auction or a produce supplier. The general appearance of the market is forlorn as if the owner does not care It was entertaining to hear the employees complain about how bad the market is being managed! Hopefully, the market will become vendor friendly and attract better quality sellers.We will still go for the flea market adventures when the...

This was my first visit to Leesport Farmers' Market. It is a huge place with a large and loyal following, and it is a long-standing attraction in Berks County. Lots of shoppers love this market, so I encourage you to read their reviews to make the best decision. I did not get to shop the entire grounds; my comments are based on the buildings I did visit. First, this market has a lot of flea market vendors mixed in among the produce and other food vendors. This seemed very unorganized to me. Second, unlike other farmers' markets in the area, Leesport does not provide shopping carts (we asked a vendor who verified this). My elderly friend was very frustrated that there were no carts. Consequently, we had to cut our shopping time short, and she couldn't purchase everything she wanted because we couldn't physically carry it. Third, the prices here seem higher than other markets in the area - not necessarily overpriced, but a bit higher. I do encourage you to visit and make your own...