Known by locals as the “sale,” the Booth’s Corner Farmers Market has been a staple in the Bethel Township community for more than 75 years. Founded in the early 1930’s by local farmer Earl Phillips, the Amish would travel from their farms in Lancaster County to sell freshly grown eggs, vegetables and handmade goods in an open market on 14 acres of Phillips property. 

In the years that followed the great depression, a group of sheds and outdoor buildings were added to the existing barn for individual businesses that sold a variety of meats, farm fresh produce, and poultry.

“The place was packed every Friday night with shoppers,” said current owner Paul Cohen. “Our special weekend live auction was a huge draw for many years.”

Throughout the years, the Farmers Market has been home to well-known entertainers such as Ed McMahon, who hawked gadgets in the market’s midway, and Bill Haley, of Bill Haley and the Comets, who played guitar for the shoppers.

By1963, the market was owned by a group of partners, who were eventually bought out by the Cohen family.

A devastating fire destroyed the original market in 1973, which was replaced by a more modern building. Within the past two years more buildings were added to accommodate the thousands of shoppers who visit the “sale” every weekend. 

Today, more than 100 businesses, including many run by the Amish, operate in the Booth’s Corner Famers Market. From fresh produce, baked goods, juices, ice cream, and a variety of restaurants to clothing, antiques, cell phone supplies, collectibles, and cosmetics- the Booth’s Corner Farmer’s Market has it all.

“This place has been my life,” said Cohen. “My children have all worked here with me and my wife, Barbara, visits here very often.”

Cohen obviously enjoys his work, but credits the Amish with making the “sale” something truly special.

“We have always had a great relationship with the Amish,” he said. “They are kind, decent people and I think their plain, simple lifestyle is great. Their children are respectful and they are hard workers. In my opinion, the Amish are and have always been the backbone of the Farmer’s Market.”

The Booth’s Corner Farmers Market is open year round 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday.