While the drive to Jim’s Farmers Market in Chambersburg can be made in mere minutes from Interstate 81 or U.S. 30, its location (255 Grant St.) is tucked away enough to perpetually keep the 44-year business one of the town’s best-kept secrets.
A “birthday bash” scheduled for Friday, June 14, will celebrate the market’s tenure, vendors and customers, while introducing it to newcomers.
“It’s kind of like taking a carnival, a birthday party and a farmers market – and putting them all together,” said Brian Zoeller, who owns Jim’s Farmers Market with his wife, Leanne, as part of The Zoeller Co.
Jim’s Farmers Market hosted an evening event last year to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the market moving into a former train roundhouse. The event was perceived to be such a successful opportunity for people to gather downtown on a Friday that the Zoellers wanted to do something similar for market’s 44th birthday.
Started by three farmers (Jake Flaud, Ike Esh and Mart Reese), the name Jim’s is actually an acronym built from their initials. The business transferred between two subsequent owners before landing with the Zoellers in 2022.
Brian Zoeller praised the market’s 44 vendors and nearby businesses like GearHouse Brewing Co., Market Street Lofts and Omega Coffee Collective for revitalizing the neighborhood.
“There is a lot of new, entrepreneurial energy taking place there,” he said.
The June 14 event from 3 to 8 p.m. will feature a prize wheel, face painting, food trucks, bounce houses, giveaways on the 44th minute of every hour, and free samples. The market will be open its normal Friday hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), with people invited to congregate in the evening for live music provided by GearHouse.
The market is typically open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and, with limited vendors, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.
Popular vendors at Jim’s Farmers Market include Momma’s Soft Pretzels, FarmBoy Hoagies, M&M Meats, Lotus Bowls & Juicery, The Ham Shoppe, Chocolate Street, Country Heritage Kitchen, and Esh’s Meats and Cheeses.
“Some of the vendors are planning for expansion now,” Zoeller said.
Lucille Paylor started working for Ike Esh and his wife, Nancy, when she was just 14 years old. The stand was initially Nancy’s Place and today operates as The Ham Shoppe, which is owned by Paylor.
Paylor roasts ham for eight hours and sells a number of products that include a signature sandwich with Swiss cheese and special sauce. There is a sandwich known as “The Henry,” which is similar to a Reuben. Breakfast is a popular offering.
Paylor intends to remain open until 8 p.m. June 14 and provide samples and specials.
“The birthday one last year was a huge success,” she said. “Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, we were very busy.”
Paylor spoke highly of upgrades made to the market in recent years, saying it is brighter, cleaner and more open than in the past. Her advice to newcomers? Take your time to browse and talk with vendors.
