Every Wednesday in Lewisburg, Pa., dozens of individuals gather at the Lewisburg Farmers Market. Beginning its weekly tradition in 1937, the market is home to vendors whose history at the market spans back generations. Located in the heart of Lewisburg, the all-day market has become a beloved tradition for both Bucknell students and locals. The market has become a hub for Bucknell faculty, students and the greater Lewisburg community. With both indoor and outdoor stalls, the vendors at the market provide customers with year-round access to produce, prepared foods, flowers and specialty food and drinks. The market provides a unique experience of uniting both Bucknell students and locals into a welcoming shared space, something that’s not often seen in an area that’s so often referred to by Bucknellians as a “tiny college town.”
Each of the vendors at the Lewisburg Farmers Market tell a unique story— a reason why they come to the market each week. Fox Den Coffee, LLC, is a popular vendor at the Farmers Market for both locals and Bucknell students. Run by husband and wife Todd and Erin Fox, they started their business on a whim during a 13-hour road trip from Illinois. Both avid coffee lovers, they started their business in 2021, the year they got married. In a bid to spend more time together, they first developed a mobile coffee stand. In 2022, they opened their first storefront in Loyalsock, Pa., and in 2025, they’ll open their second location in Williamsport, PA. For T. Fox, the owner of the store, opening storefronts has always been a long-term goal, as he’s “always wanted a brick and mortar store, because I love to have customers come and sit down and relax for an hour or two.” T. Fox and E. Fox strive to continue to create a business that can become a hub for the greater community.
What’s touching about their business is how every detail includes little pieces of their love story. Their last name, Fox, is included in their brand; their logo of a fox holding a duck coffee mug includes imagery from both their married and maiden names. Fox Den’s coffee is as strong as the bond between the company’s owners, and their joint venture into creating this business together is a testament to their commitment to each other.
When asked about why they started selling coffee in Lewisburg, the answer was simple. “The Farmers Market was a great place to start,” said T. Fox. “We’ve got a very good clientele here that comes here every Wednesday.” The Farmers Market creates a community space where clients can regularly show up to support local businesses. For these small and local businesses, the market is essential to developing a client list and creating a personal connection with clients as owners who are growing their businesses.
With so much occupying students’ time, it’s important for Bucknellians to have a place off-campus that is meant for enjoyment. Jordyn Weber ’26, noted that “the market has great food and drinks, and is a really fun place to come in between classes.” The market has a unique quality that is able to attract all members of the Lewisburg community. Whether it is the items sold, the location of the event, or the people who attend, in this small, rural college town, it’s heartwarming to see both students and locals continuously participate in community events like the Farmers Market.
The popularity of the Farmers Market suggests an increasing need for more community events that are accessible and entertaining for both Bucknell students and locals. While Bucknell students do have plenty of access to downtown Lewisburg and opportunities to interact with the local community, there is still a large divide between the university and the residents of Lewisburg. While age and background are most certainly factors that can play into this divide, the Farmers Market provides proof that an increased programming that is geared towards both communities can and will be successful.
Developing programs that, like the Farmers Market, are entertaining and serve as a food source for Bucknellians positively affects the local community. Increased programming to continue to merge communities will only be beneficial, providing mutual respect and understanding between the university and the Borough of Lewisburg. The success of the local farmers market in engaging both Bucknell students and the greater community highlights the potential for stronger connections between the two. This raises an important question: What role can Bucknell play in fostering this bond?
