Lower Burrell farmers market opening to honor founder Bud Myers

The late Joseph “Bud” Myers, known for his volunteer work in Lower Burrell, was beloved for shepherding the first farmers market in the city 10 years ago.

The city will honor Myers posthumously, presenting a key to the city to his wife, Carol Myers, during the opening of the farmers market Saturday in the City Hall parking lot.

The market will operate through the summer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 16.

Myers, of Lower Burrell, died Nov. 27.

“I cannot say enough good things about Bud and his contributions to the City of Lower Burrell,” Councilman Chris Fabry said. “While the farmers market is certainly his crowning achievement in volunteering here, he also helped with so much more including Cookies with Santa, the parks commission, the Easter egg hunt and countless other events.”

The ceremony will feature the presentation of a key to the city to Carol Myers as well as the dedication of the market. There will be an unveiling of a new market sign displaying Bud Myers’ name.

It’s only the second time a resident has received a key to the city, Fabry said.

“I think that is the most wonderful thing that council and the City are doing this,” Carol Myers said. “I‘m sure he will be looking down smiling.”

Bud Myers was serious about the market offering fresh vegetables and homemade goods while serving as an event to bring the community together. The market vendors accept food vouchers as well. “No flea market items were allowed,” Carol Myers said. Her husband was so well-liked that he was able to pull together a great group of vendors, she noted.

“Bud loved all of the people, and they loved him,” she said.

This year, vendors will offer fresh baked goods, farmers’ produce, honey, jellies, candles, soaps and more.

A Myers relative, Pam Key, who is president of the Burrell School Board, will help manage the market this year.

“Bud put his heart and soul into that market,” Key said. “And he was very proud of it. I wanted to see the tradition continue, which honors his work.”

Myers was committed to the city, faithfully attending most city council meetings, his widow said. Besides volunteering for the city, Myers and his wife were longtime supporters of the local Lions Club.

Carol Myers will still be a fixture at the farmers market, manning the club’s booth, offering brooms and raffle tickets.