The Voorheesville Farmers Market was born of the idea that buying local food helps the environment, and with it now in full swing, big-name guests are the icing on the cake.
The Friday-afternoon market has been open since July 10, and will run every week through October from 2:30-6 p.m.
The market is located in the upper lot of the First United Methodist Church, in Voorheesville at 68 Maple Ave.
The market currently has 15 vendors, including Curling Stone Farm and Morgan’s Taffy.
On Friday, Aug. 7, special guest Noah Sheetz, the governor’s executive chef, will be using some of the market’s fresh produce to whip up sample meals.
Geurtze Barbeque will also be there that Friday selling half chickens for $6 with a reservation.
Dianne Luci, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Voorheesville, which sponsors the market, said the idea was conceived at what she described as a coffee meeting last year. She said she had read Barbara Kingsolver’s book `Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,` which highlights the benefits of eating local produce.
`I wanted to eat as much locally as I could,` she said.
She said bringing strawberries and fresh broccoli to New York in the winter months takes a toll on the environment.
`Think of the energy spent in terms of oil and pollution,` she said.
Luci said before the market came to fruition, letters were sent to prospective vendors, and permission was given by the Voorheesville Planning Board to host the market. The board allows for 15 vendors, Luci said, but she is hopeful to expand that to 20 vendors sometime in the future.
The market was originally scheduled to run until 5:30 p.m., but Luci said the hours were extended to 6 p.m. to accommodate working people.
`This is just the perfect thing,` Luci said. `So you can stock up on all your needs.`
Luci touted the diverse selection of items available at the market, including cheese, tea, bread, dips, mixes, plants, fruits, vegetables and meat.
She said arts and crafts from members of the First United Methodist Church are also available for sale at the market.
Lyn MacIntosh, the proprietor of Curling Stone Farm, said she was interested in joining the market to help spread the word about her product.
`I know many people in Voorheesville, but not many people know us,` MacIntosh said. `We’re off the beaten path.`
She said she offers plants, vegetables and herbs, and has `a lot to offer the community.`
The market has been thriving, its participants said, and many are glad to have a market in Voorheesville.
`I think it’s a great area,` said Gretchen Geurtze, the proprietor of Geurtze Barbeque. `It’s been very successful. There’s very good produce there. It’s a brand-new market and I think [Luci] is doing a great job.
Geurtze said she believes the diverse products and support from the community and parishioners at the First United Methodist have contributed to the market’s success.
To make reservations with Geurtze Barbeque, call the church office at 765-2895 Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon by Wednesday, Aug. 5.
`I hope that people will continue to support it because these people work really hard to bring us this local food,` Luci said. “