Melvin’s Farm Stand, 327 Front St., Catasauqua, officially kicked off its fifth year July 1. The farm stand aims to offer more vegetables and fruits in the borough and create a community place for people to meet.

The farm stand is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through September.

Stand operators, Melissa Brown, a community activist and YMCA leader, and Vincent Smith, local businessman and former council member, said they were delighted with the 2023 opening and festivities. The name Melvin’s is a combination of their first names.

They hope to attract other vendors to enhance the selection of items for sale. Currently, there is a pool of about 10 vendors who participate.

Brown said Melvin’s is an effort to get fresh food products to Catasauqua and surrounding community residents. She noted attendance and vendor participation are growing year after year.

In addition to fruits and vegetables for sale, Yanessa’s Lemonade Stand offered fresh, homemade beverages for attendees to enjoy. The stand was operated by Yanessa and Nestor Villanueva, of Catasauqua.

Deb Mellish, of Catasauqua, offered beautiful china ornaments and plates, which have a variety of household uses. For more information about her Artful Plates and More, call 484-274-3374.

CJ’s Gourmet Mustard had tasty products for sale. Visit cjsgourmetmustard.com for more information about the products.

A true delight are the handmade crepes available for patrons, including a brown sugar offering, by Cole Brown.

A variety of homemade cheeses and meat products from a local farm were also for sale.

Feeding Friendz attended the opening day of the stand. Val Penna, of Quakertown, offered beef hot dogs, chili cheese dogs with toppings, chips, water and drinks.

To help keep shoppers moving and motivated, Blocker’s offered coffee flights, which included four large coffees for $20. There were also cookies, candies and ice cream for sale.

If you want to have a stand or other presence at Melvin’s Farm Stand, call Brown at 484-809-0528 or Smith at 484-634-0418.