Market means farm to table. Market means fresh. Market means shopping local.

For Venture Lititz, market means community.

"The Lititz Farmers Market is more than a place to shop; it's a celebration of community in its purest form," said Alyssa Diehm, administrative assistant for Venture Lititz. "You'll see it in neighbors supporting neighbors, new friends bonding over a shared love of Chilango's tacos and old friends catching up while their children dance to live music. It is a weekly reminder of our town's commitment to coming together and elevating our local growers, bakers and makers."

Venture Lititz's Farmers Market is back with a vengeance, ready to take that community spirit to new levels this summer.

In late May, the annual local farmers market, which is being sponsored by Venture Lititz, opened for another growing season inside Lititz Springs Park, 24 N. Broad St., Lititz. The farmers market will be staged every Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. through Oct.15.

The farmers market will not be conducted on Thursday, July 2.

"This market reflects our mission to enhance and sustain the social and economic vibrancy of our community," said Sam Thrush, executive director of Venture Lititz. "It creates access to fresh, local food while further activating downtown Lititz in the evening hours and providing a meaningful place for people to gather, connect and truly linger longer in our downtown."

Each Thursday, the Lititz Farmers Market will host more than 11 vendors, farmers, artisans and small business owners offering produce, prepared foods and crafts. For those local entrepreneurs, the market is a bridge, an avenue for connecting their goods with consumers.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own baskets and bags.

"Shopping locally is so important," said Diehm. "When you source your kitchen and pantry with staples from the Lititz Farmers Market, you are directly supporting the neighbors and friends who make our town thrive. There is something empowering about preparing a meal while using produce from a farm stand and where you've actually met the farmer and their family. Our goal is to keep our local economy strong by supporting the real families behind these small businesses.

"We take great pride in curating a vendor lineup that prioritizes quality and local roots," continued Diehm. "In fact, before the season even began, we visited our primary produce grower right here on his farm in Lititz to see the care behind the harvest. Our mission is to ensure that everything offered to our community is fresh, delicious and truly local. This year's lineup is one of our best yet, featuring seasonal produce, microgreens and fresh eggs alongside local food trucks and prepared favorites like empanadas and authentic Mexican cuisine. With various bakers, specialty treats and even a stand for our four-legged friends, there truly is something for everyone."

The downtown atmosphere of the weekly farmers market is enhanced by the playing of live music.

"Our goal is simple: to put the spotlight on the incredible farmers, bakers and makers who call Lititz their home," said Diehm. "We are proud to provide local small business owners with a stage to grow their brand and share their passion. Of course, the real winners are our visitors who get to enjoy fresh, local staples in an atmosphere that is as lively and fun as it is welcoming."

Venture Lititz, which sponsors a handful of community events throughout the year, exists to promote local businesses, support the downtown's shopping district and attract visitors to town.

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzpa.com.