By:

LUCY RICCOMINI Review Staff

, Staff Writer

Tuesdays primary elections were at a record low as polls remained quiet and virtually unattended. It may may have been a lack of contested races that kept voters away, but residents will notice some changes on the ballots in November.

George DiIlio chose not to re-run on Ephrata Borough Council after he served for two years and 10 months. He was replaced by democrat Tim Barr, who represents the third ward.

"I never had any intention of being a long-time council member," said DiIlio. "But I did want to work hard, be serious about the borough’s work, and make a difference. I am also serving on the Borough Shade Tree Commission, which has taken up quite a bit of my time lately. I’d like to continue to focus on the Shade Tree Commission’s work, since I believe we have a long way to go in increasing the borough’s tree canopy."

Barr, who was endorsed by the

Despite a drizzling rain, the crowds came out early to the debut of the new Ephrata open air farmers market at the Whistlestop Plaza. Dave Lefever and the Curious Kin (bottom left) got everyone moving with quality local music, while earlier (bottom right) Edna Sheaffer enjoyed a mid-morning hot dog. (Photos by Stan Hall)

The debut of the new Ephrata Merchants "open air" farmers market in downtown Ephrata was a big hit last Saturday at the Whistlestop Plaza near the former train station.

With just a light rain falling, community leaders blew train whistles to officially get things underway. In just a matter of hours, the tradition took hold.

"After the event, it gave me goosebumps and I became tearful that the community rallied together way bey