The Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market
Every Friday from 9 to 1 June 22 – October 5, 2012
Blessed Sacrament Church 7 Goodman Avenue
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Farmer’s Market with a fair like vibe[/caption]
We have a Farmers Market in Bolton Landing! This is the second year of operation, with are 33 vendors offering seasonal, locally-grown farm based fruits and vegetables, farm raised meats, hand made cheeses, granola, condiments, maple syrup, baked goods, and fresh cut flowers. There are also Artisans who sell items crafted by their own hands. The market is very accessible, and is pet, stroller, and wheelchair friendly.
Eva Bird moved here from Alaska a few years ago. One of the things she missed was the Farmers’ Market in Anchorage – a little bit larger than Bolton’s – with over 400 vendors. More like a country fair atmosphere, that market had jugglers, musicians, and vendors who sold prepared food which could be eaten at picnic tables scattered all around.
Eva and her partner Cobber wanted to do something beyond just a market, or a place to just buy vegetables. They wanted something that was more of a family and community affair – a place where people can talk to the farmers who grow the produce, and the crafters who create their products – where people can see for themselves what effort goes into those items before we could ever purchase them in a store.
Eva and Cobber knew what they wanted to create. Bringing vendors and customers together in a way that is fun for everyone was the next step. They began their research by attending every local Farmers’ Market from Troy to Warrensburg, gathering cards and information from the vendors they thought were interesting and offered quality goods.
Then came the invitations for various vendors to come to a new start-up in Bolton Landing. Eva and Cobber were very aware of balance – not overloading one type of vendor, or food or produce. The market reflects the quality of their attention – there is a wonderful variety of fresh products, baked goods, cheeses, and hand crafts.
“Food is often so dependent upon transportation costs.” Eva and her partner Cobber (a native here in the North Country) wanted to support local vendors, as well as farmers who practice sustainable agriculture. “Buy locally – it matters.” Eva says often local chefs come to shop for their produce because the quality of the food is so great – not like commercial fruit and vegetables that come in from 3,000 miles away. The produce at the market is still in the ground hours before it comes here.
Live music helps set the tone of the market, and attract people from the main street – the church parking lot if only a few feet back from Lake Shore Drive, however it is set to the side of Goodman Avenue.
“I see a market as a gathering place for people to come together, see their friends, enjoy live music, watch cooking and craft demonstrations and generally have a good time.”
Next Friday morning, drop by the market and see for yourself!
What do you look for at a farmers’ market? What are your favorite things to buy?
Penelope Jewell
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