By Natalya Bucuy • The Current Contributing Writer
Traditionally, we think of farmers markets as a summer endeavor. But just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean we have to wait for warmer days to enjoy fresh food and the gifts of local craftsmanship and community.
The Slatington Farmers Market in Washington Township resides in a 28,000 sq. ft. inside the former Keystone Lamp Factory. Since June 2022, the Market features fresh farm products, a variety of fast-casual cuisine, and handmade goods from local growers, artisans, and specialty food producers. Home to several boutique-style shops offering antiques, clothing, gifts, handmade body care, and accessories.
Neff’s Woodworking, one of the craft vendors in the Market, started as a lifelong passion. Tom Neff, the founder, took the woodworking family tradition to the next level by offering beautiful works of wood art at affordable prices.
Tom’s son, Joe Neff, learned the importance of being detailed and disciplined in woodworking from his father. “It was always a dream for the two of us to share this passion and start a business involving some of today’s technology with old-fashioned craftsmanship of the past,” Tom says. “That is what we are trying to bring together to create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.”
Interacting with the local community is Neff’s favorite aspect of the business. “We get to work side by side with other entrepreneurs. With having many diverse businesses you get a lot of opportunities one individual shop may not experience,” Joe says about the business’ affiliation with Slatington Farmers Market. “But we also get to interact with the customers and see how they feel about what we offer.
The Neffs find the work rewarding and fulfilling. “When you create a project for them that they can cherish forever it is very rewarding to have that opportunity and the experience is what makes it all worthwhile,” Tom says.
In the New Year, the Neffs hope to grow and expand their offerings for custom work to include wooden furniture and projects created using the new laser CNC machine. “We are hoping to offer engraved signs instead of just inlaid designs,” they say. “We also hope this will lead to more commission work as well for businesses and individuals.”
Amanda Ahlers, owner of Serendipitous Boutique, which also resides in the Market, offers a wide variety of clothing, handbags, jewelry, accessories, and handmade body care products. Ahlers originally started her business in Warwick, NY in 2006 and opened a second location at the Slatington Farmers Market in August 2022. Since then, she closed her original location.
Follow the Northern Lehigh Valley’s indoor one-stop-shop for Facebook and Instagram @theslatingtonfarmersmarket for news, events, and more.
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