The Town of Colonie’s Farmers’ Market at The Crossings will open for the 2016 season on Saturday, May 21, and will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 1. With more than 30 vendors—including six new additions—it is one of the largest in the region and has generated thousands of dollars for maintenance and upgrades at the popular 131-acre Colonie park.
“The Farmers’ Market is the community place to be on Saturdays,” said Colonie Town Supervisor Paula A. Mahan. “It’s great to meet friends and neighbors there while shopping for locally produced items.”
On opening day, the market will feature the music of Jimy Graham, winner of the 2014 Capital Region Acoustic Blues Showdown, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Q.T. Pie the Clown will be creating balloon sculptures. On June 4, the Albany Drum Circle will perform and, on June 11, the acoustic duo Josh Breden & Russ Brady—both also from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Market at The Crossings will feature traditional fare such as: vegetables; fruits; flowers; plants; herbs; eggs; meats; fish; cheese; spices; organic products; and breads and baked goods (including gluten-free and vegan), as well as: spirits; cider; salad dressings; maple syrup; coffee; teas; popcorn; nuts and nut butters; soaps; organic cleaning products; lotions; beeswax and massage products. Pre-prepared Italian and Mediterranean cuisine will be available.
New 2016 vendors are High Rock Distillery, Kickin Chicken Jerky, Mountain Winds Farm, Same Page/A Natural Way, Saratoga Apple, and The BARKery. The all-volunteer Friends of the William K. Sanford Town Library will continue to sell used books from its popular Book Nook stall—the proceeds of which are donated both to the library and The Crossings.
The market is part of the New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and accepts WIC and seniors’ farmer’s market checks, which are provided directly to qualifying seniors age 60 and over by the Town’s Senior Resources Department. The Farmers’ Market at The Crossings was in 2009 as a community service; since its inception, the market has generated more than $70,000 for The Crossings.
Q.T. Pie and Mischief will provide activities such as balloon sculpture and face-painting every other week. Dogs are always welcome.
-Spotlight Staff