AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Rice's Market Announces Year-End Closure
Rice's Market, a renowned community marketplace in Solebury Township, Bucks County, will close its doors for good on December 29, according to its longtime owners. The announcement marks the end of an era for a venue that has welcomed bargain hunters and supported local vendors and small businesses for more than a century.
A Marketplace with Deep Historical Roots
The story of Rice's Market stretches back to 1860, when A.L. Rice first settled on the property, transforming farmland into a hub for growing produce and livestock auctions. For decades, this 30-acre stretch on Greenhill Road served as a place where food and livestock exchanged hands, eventually becoming a staple farmers market and auction site throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Evolution into a Community Flea Market
By the 1950s, Rice's Market began to shift away from traditional agriculture, developing into a popular flea market. Soon after, shopping at Rice's became a weekly tradition for many in the area, with operations typically running on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The sprawling indoor and outdoor venue featured more than 400 vendors at its peak, offering a diverse array of antiques, plants, produce, artisan crafts, and home goods.
Support for Local Vendors and Small Businesses
For decades, Rice's Market has played a pivotal role in the local business community. Owners Robert and Barbara Blanche, who have managed the market since buying the property in 1982, emphasized its significance for aspiring entrepreneurs and side hustles. "Over the years, Rice's became so much more than just a place to buy and sell," they wrote in a social media post, highlighting the market's role as an incubator for small businesses—many of which grew from a single table into thriving operations.
Community Impact and Reasons for Closure
The decision to close Rice's Market stems from shifts in the economic climate, according to the Blanches. Their statement expressed gratitude to generations of loyal vendors, employees, and visitors who contributed to the market's unique atmosphere and sustained its legacy. While the future of the property has not been disclosed, the owners encouraged the community to continue supporting small businesses and independent vendors.
Market Operations Until the Final Day
Rice's Market will remain open on its traditional days—Tuesdays and Saturdays—until its final day on December 29. The market will also be open on Black Friday, historically its busiest day of the year. In their farewell message, the owners thanked the community for its decades of support, friendships, and fond memories tied to the historic market.
Source: phillyvoice.com.
