Free Shuttle to Take Employees, Public from Downtown Harrisburg to Farmers Market

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State employees and Harrisburg residents can now enjoy a free shuttle that will provide access to some of Pennsylvania's best fresh fruits, vegetables and other local treats for the rest of the summer, said Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today.

The Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, or PSECU, is sponsoring a free Capitol Area Transit shuttle from downtown Harrisburg to the Open Air Farmers Market at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center every Friday from July 16 through Sept. 3.

"Enjoying the bounty of Pennsylvania agriculture is one of the best parts of summer," said Redding. "By providing state employees and Harrisburg's residents easy access to the farmers market at the Farm Show Complex, we are connecting consumers with fresh food and introducing them to the farmers who feed them."

Shuttles will make three convenient stops in downtown Harrisburg: Walnut Street at Commonwealth Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue at Forster Street, and 7th Street adjacent to the PHEAA Building's main entrance. Before boarding, riders must receive a pass from PSECU employees who will be located at each stop.

Buses will run on 15-minute intervals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the final return shuttle leaving the market at 1:45 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off times are subject to change based on the volume of traffic and passengers.

"We thank PSECU and CAT for making this shuttle possible because it will help people experience first-hand the diversity, affordability and freshness of products grown in Pennsylvania," Redding added.

The Open Air Farmers Market operates from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday through November. More than a dozen vendors from south-central Pennsylvania offer a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables, dairy products, bakery items, cut flowers and bedding plants for purchase.

The market is located just off North Cameron Street, along Industrial Drive, in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center parking lot. For more information about the market, contact manager Dick Habig at 717-697-9617.

Pennsylvania has more than 1,200 farmers markets and farm stands. Find a complete listing in the 2010 Guide to Farm Markets at www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "E-Services" and then "Farm Markets."  

For more information about the agriculture department, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Media contacts: Jean Kummer, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture