Local options abound this summer for prime produce picks
These days, most would prefer to help out a neighbor instead of a faceless company. The good news is it’s easier than ever before to keep your money local because of the abundance of farmers markets, and the season is about to kick off.
Farmers markets provide consumers the opportunity to support local farmers and businesses, reduce environmental impact by buying food produced nearby and as markets become increasingly popular and localized interact with their neighbors in a social setting.
In recent years, a number of farmers markets of all sizes have sprung up in the immediate area, making the coming summer arguably one of the strongest in history for the modern market. If so inclined, you could make a market nearly every day of the week without traveling far. Here’s a rundown of what’s nearby this summer.
Delmar Farmers Market
Slated for a June 5 start, the young but growing Delmar Farmers Market will run all summer and into the fall on Saturdays at the BC Middle School, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The market had 25 regular vendors during its inaugural year, said organizer Paul Tick, but this year 40 are expected.
`It’s grown tremendously. We’ve even got a waiting list for vendors that want to get in,` he said.
The numbers mean greater selection for shoppers, who will have three breadmakers to choose from instead of one, for example. Local restaurants are also being brought in to provide prepared foods for breakfast and lunch.
Last year, the market moved indoors to the Delmar Presbyterian Church when the weather got cold. This time, the operation will simply move into the middle school, which should afford more space for vendors.
As with last year’s market, there will be music, kids activities and even farm animals on hand, making it more than just a place to get your shopping done.
`It’s a fun place to be on a Saturday morning,` Tick said. `People can do their shopping but also bring their kids and not have to worry about their kids filling up on junk food.`
The Delmar Farmers Market is supported in part by a bevy of local donors. For a full list and more information, visit www.delmarmarket.org.
Delmar United Methodist Church market
Already up and running is a weekly market held outside the Delmar United Methodist Church on Kenwood Avenue. Every Tuesday from 2:30 to 6 p.m., vendors will have a host of seasonal produce, plants and crafts. Additionally, Geurtze’s Barbecued Chicken will be on hand every week. The market runs into the fall.
Bethlehem Grange
In Selkirk, the Bethlehem Grange will for the third year running present a Thursday farmers market, running from noon to 5 p.m. from now through Sept. 23.
The Grange doesn’t officially line up vendors, said organizer Mary Starr, instead opening up the market for whatever vendors want to show up.
`We’re trying to do it as a community service,` Starr said. `They show up, and they can sell their things; we don’t ask for anything.`
The result is a diverse mix of products, from produce to needlework.
The Grange’s farmers market is held at the Grange Community Center in Selkirk on Route 396, near the junction with Route 9W.
Voorheesville Farmers Market
Getting a later start is the Voorheesville Farmers Market at the Voorheesville United Methodist Church at 68 Maple Avenue.
This will be the market’s second year, said organizer Dianne Luci, and already nearly all of last year’s vendors have signed up to return, with the addition of many new offerings.
`It was fantastic, it really was great. … We had really positive feedback,` Luci said of the inaugural year. `Our downside was the weather.`
In addition to vegetables, meats, cheeses, jellies, plants and baked goods, the market will this year feature takeout meals from places like Geurtze Chicken BBQ and Pie in the Sky, to name a few. Cornell Cooperative Extension will provide periodic soil testings and musical acts are lined up on a majority of dates.
Luci has already signed up most of the vendors the location can hold, but there are still a few spots left. She can be reached at 765-4536.
She said while the event might be a bit smaller than markets closer to the city, it has a definite charm.
`The thing that excites me most is seeing the camaraderie between not just the vendors, but all the people,` she said. `Voorheesville is a small community … and it’s a high for me to see people coming together and just catching up with people they don’t see all the time.`
The Voorheesville Farmers Market will take place Fridays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., June 18 to Oct. 1.
Altamont Farmers Market
For those who need a farmers market fix multiple times a week, the Altamont Farmers Market runs six days out of seven.
Starting the first Saturday in July, the market will run every day except Wednesday at the train station adjacent to Orsini Park.
Altamont Orchards will set up shop every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but on Saturdays the market expands to include several other vendors with jams, eggs, meats and breads.
`It’s not a large market, it’s just very simple,` said organizer Linda Cure. `We have anywhere from four to five vendors.`
Cure works in the Town of Guilderland parks and Recreation Department. The town and village jointly sponsor the event.
The market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The market’s fifth season will run until mid-to-late September.“