There was spinach, homemade soup, cookies, corn, flower baskets and back rubs.
The first-ever farmers market at The Crossings in Colonie was a success, according to shoppers who experienced the fruits and vegetables that farmers from throughout the Capital District had to offer Saturday, June 7.
The opening bell was rung at 9 a.m. Saturday by town Supervisor Paula Mahan, indicating the start of a season of fresh produce, baked goods, maple syrup and other products sold by farmers who were invited by the Town of Colonie to participate.
My husband and I got a letter from the town asking us if we wanted to be part of the Farmers Market, said Margaret Partridge, representing Partridge Sugar House, in Ashland, which lies in the Catskill Mountains.
Partridge said that she and her husband, Kevin, produce maple products.
`So far it looks like we’ve sold the most of these 500-milliliter (jugs) of pure maple syrup.`
According to Alison McLean, confidential aide to Mahan, farmers could rent a 10-by-10-foot space for $175 and a 10-by-16-foot space for $225.
`And the great thing about it is that the farmers pay that price to have the space all summer,` said McLean.
The farmers market will take place every Saturday until Sept. 26.
Bowman Farms, a pick-your-own farm that grows small fruits, chose to have the larger space for the duration of the market.
`It feels great to be a part of the farmers market,` said Martha Bowman, who runs the farm with her husband, Kevin Bowman. Bowman said Saturday that they sold out of strawberries quickly and will have to bring more next time.
One shopper said she would have liked to see more strawberries at the next market, which will be held Saturday, June 14.
Items seemed to be selling out quickly Saturday, as the temperatures climbed.
`I’m all out of rhubarb and braising mix,` said Arthur Place, of Witenagemot Farms in Schaghticoke. `I had 20 pounds of spinach and it’s almost gone.`
Place added, `It was a good run for the first day.`
Sellers Jim and Cindy Barber, of Barber’s Farm, in Middleburgh, also learned what was popular with shoppers.
`We had lettuce and broccoli and some potatoes of last fall and a fair number of hanging baskets that sold pretty quickly,` said Jim Barber. `This is primarily a fresh produce market.`
Cindy Barber said it is encouraging to see a lot of younger people coming to the farmers market and buying fresh produce to bring home. `It’s really great to see that young families are still cooking,` she said. `You get people who really want to go home and make something special.`
According to Cindy Barber, it is the people who want to bring home fresh vegetables to cook that will keep the farmers market going.
For those who did not feel like cooking, there was homemade soup from Sherry’s Kitchen, located at 1226 Central Ave., Albany.
`We will be back every week,` said Sherry Skitcher, of Sherry’s Kitchen, adding that the company produces about 350 different kinds of homemade soup.
For shoppers more interested in relaxing, Michelle Kwok, a licensed massage therapist, was providing massages at her tent.
Kimberly Guilbault, of Colonie, who was at the farmers market with her children, said she enjoyed the convenience of The Crossings location, which is on the edge of her own yard.
`We are definitely going to come back for more,` said Guilbault.
About eight farmers sold their produce at the first farmers market. The Town of Colonie is still taking applications from farmers interested in participating in the market.“