Northern New York - The popularity of fresh, local food is growing and not just with local buyers. Tourists are discovering the 40-some farmers’ markets across Northern New York.

 
Come by Car or Boat to Chateaugay Lakes Farmers‘ Market
“The Chateaugay Lakes Farmers’ Market is one of the only farmers markets where customers arrive by boat in their bathing suits,” says Manager Jo Ellen Saumier.
 
Saumier says market started on Tuesdays in 1998 and gradually shifted to a Saturday 10 am to 2 pm schedule to accommodate the summer cottagers.
 
“That is the power of the visitor here. We have vacationers from all over the U.S. and Canada and some European countries. Their tastes and food experiences make them open to trying new products grown here in Northern New York and it is fun for the growers to try growing something new for them. To encourage our customers to try new foods we offer tastings and recipes,” Saumier says.
 
The 11-year-old farmers’ market expands to two tents with 10 regular vendors expected each week (up from six in 2007). New at the Chateaugay Lakes market this year will be a beef vendor, an artisan baker and a coffee seller.
 
The market begins Saturday, June 21st on the lawn at the Hollywood Inn Restaurant on Chateaugay Lake and runs for the 11-week summer vacation season.
 
Campers are Customers at Brasher Falls Farmers‘ Market
Area campground visitors join local residents and retirees at the Brasher Falls-Tri-Town Farmers’ Market, an open-air, on-the-lawn marketplace that will be scenically set alongside the St. Regis River on Saturdays, 9am to 2pm, from July 5 through September 27.
 
Amish vendors drive two hours by horse and buggy to reach the market. To encourage farmers to participate in the 2-year-old market, the Brasher Falls Chamber of Commerce requires no set-up fee and advertises the market. Market organizer Michelle First says, “The Town donates space for the market, so we are able to invite vendors to participate for free to boost grower interest in bringing their products here.”
 
First says the next nearest markets for fresh, local produce are about a 20 to 30-minute drive in Massena or Potsdam.
 
“With the increase in gas and food prices, the local people are really looking forward to our July 5th opening day,” First says, “and one of the neat things will be more local hobby gardeners donating extra produce to local scouts and service groups to sell here as a fundraiser. This is one of the neat developments that is a results of the connections made at last year’s market.”
 
The Brasher Falls Farmers’ Market also includes a Lions Club lunchstand, a chair massage service, and crafters.
 
Markets Important to Local Economies
Katherine Lang of the North Country Regional Foods Initiative says the farmers’ markets themselves are an increasingly important part of the local and regional economies in Northern New York.
 
Lang says, “More and more community leaders are embracing opportunities to support these types of food-related economic development measures. The farmers’ markets held downtown, along picturesque riverbanks and in parking lots offer local residents, senior citizens, families, vacationers and restaurant institutional buyers fresh food, a social meeting place and a strong link to regional agricultural heritage.”
 
The North Country Regional Foods Initiative is a joint project of representatives of each of the six NNY counties (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence), the Community and Rural Development Institute at Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension to increase and strengthen local food initiatives regionwide.
 
Laurie Davis coordinates Adirondack Harvest, a multi-county community organization promoting sustainable farms, expanding markets for local food producers and preserving farms for agricultural and open space scenic vistas.
 
Davis says, “At Adirondack Harvest we are striving to connect local farmers with local consumers.  The farmers’ markets in Northern New York are a great way for both new and established farmers to get full retail dollar for their products.  On the consumer side, the markets are great community builders and social centers - a chance to chat with neighbors, meet new people and stock your pantry with fresh, healthy produce all at once.  Chefs visit the markets to add local flavor to the evening’s menu. The area’s farmers’ markets are a vital component of the vision to keep agriculture thriving in the Adirondack region.”
 
Beans & Cucumbers Already Available at Lowville Farmers Market
At the long-standing Lowville Farmers’ Market at the Lewis County Fairgrounds, one grower already has beans and cucumbers for sale. Tomatoes started early in a greenhouse will be available soon there.
 
About half of the 25 vendors at the Lowville Farmers’ Market sell fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, maple, baked goods, beef and pork. Manager Dolores DeSalvo describes the vendors who have attended the market for many of its years since it started in 1988 as people “deeply rooted in the agricultural heritage of Lewis County.”
 
DeSalvo says, “The Lowville Farmers’ Market is perhaps the most reasonably priced market in the region. Our growers price their products to be affordable for our buyers.”
 
The Lowville Farmers’ Market also includes crafters and entertainment. The first Saturday of the month is Customer Appreciation Day with free beverages and door prizes donated by the vendors. The market accepts WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program food coupons and will run through October 25 on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 2 pm through September, 9:30 am to 1 pm in October.
 
Paul Smith‘s College Farmers Market Turning Two
The Paul Smith’s College Farmers’ Market turns two-years-old in 2008. Organizer Ellen Beberman says, “The college started the market to offer fresh, locally produced goods and to support local farmers. The array of products includes beef, pork, chicken, lamb, baked goods, herbs, honey, eggs, produce and crafts sold by more than a dozen vendors.”
 
This year the Paul Smith’s College Farmers’ Market will be accepting NY Fresh Checks - $5 coupons issued by markets participating in the NYS Farmers’ Market Wireless EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Program using a central terminal. The markets issue a NY Fresh Check to every customer who purchases a minimum of $5 in EBT tokens each market day. The customer is allowed one NY Fresh Check per market day and is encouraged to return week after week to earn additional NY Fresh Checks.
 
The college market will run on Fridays from June 20 through September 26 from 2-5 pm at the corner of Routes 86 and 30.
 
Markets Meet Needs in Watertown Area
Delta Keeney manages a Mobile Farmers’ Market that travels to five housing complexes in the Watertown area, starting in early August with the flush of the agricultural bounty of the fall season.
 
“With this mobile market, we are reaching out to people who cannot get to the other markets on their own. We make it easy for them to purchase fresh local foods by going to them,” Keeney says.
 
The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides seniors with $20 worth of $2 coupons that are distributed by the Office of the Aging at the start of the season. The coupons can be redeemed over the course of the season that will run through October 8-9 for the mobile market. Participating growers must personally produce 51 percent of the products they sell. About ten producers participate in the mobile market with half a dozen at each site on average.
 
On Wednesdays, the market stops from 10:30 to 11:30am at Midtown Towers, from 11:45am to 12:30pm at Skyline Apartments, from 12:45 to 1:30pm at East Hills. On Thursdays, the farmers visit from noon to 1pm at Curtis Apartments and arrive at LeRay Street Apartments at 1:15pm. The vendors also participate in the Monday Neighborhood Farmers’ Market at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 203 North Hamilton Street from 3-6 pm.
 
Other farmers’ markets in the Watertown area include the Wednesday 6:30am-3pm Farmers and Craft Market at the Dulles State Office Building, the Friday 3:30-7pm Jefferson Bulk Milk Farmers’ Market on Route 3 west of the city, and the Saturday 9am-2pm market at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
 
All of the Watertown area markets accept the Electronic Benefits Transfer cards and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons.
 
Producer-Only Markets Going Strong in the Adirondack Region
The term producer-only refers to several of the farmers’ markets in Northern New York. Sam Hendren organizes producer-only farmers’ markets in Lake Placid on Wednesdays (9am-1pm) and Schroon Lake on Mondays (9am-1pm) and attends the producer-only Plattsburgh Farmers Green Market on Thursdays (3-6pm).
 
“Producer-only means that the vendors at the market have grown or made one hundred percent of the products they sell at that market,” Hendren explains. “I believe this adds a special vitality and integrity to those farmers’ markets. You do not have to worry about buying produce from outside the region and the opportunity often exists to visit the local producers’ farms.”
 
Hendren says the staggered harvest of locally grown foods provides an educational opportunity for farmers to talk with buyers about which crops are available early in the season, mid-season and later.
 
Hendren says the farmers’ markets are vital to producer livelihoods.
 
“The farmers’ markets provide a majority of income for most growers. They account for ninety percent of one cheesemaker’s income. At least seven growers are supported by the sales they make at the Lake Placid Farmers’ Market in a town of 5,000. The Schroon Lake Farmers’ Market has about twelve vendors, one or two each with all varieties of produce, meats, cheese, maple syrup, and breads. Retailing their products directly to buyers helps the producers keep a higher percent of their selling price,” Hendren says.
 
For More Info and Map
The Adirondack Harvest website at http://www.adirondackharvest.com/ <http://www.adirondackharvest.com> provides a full list of the farmers’ markets in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The site offers a free map of farm stands and markets. For more information on the North Country Regional Foods Initiative, go to the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website at http://www.nnyagdev.org/.

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Northern New York Farmers Markets in 2008
* accepts food stamps                    + accepts FMNP coupons
 40 markets are selling one or more days/week, earliest began May 3, some continue through October, Glens Falls market ends November 15
 
Eastern Adirondacks Region
Chateaugay Lakes - State Rt. 374 on lawn of Hollywood Inn
Manager: Jo Ellen Saumier (518) 497-6038
Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com <http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/chateaugaylake.html>  +
Date: Saturdays, June 21-Aug. 30, 2008  10:00-2:00
 
Elizabethtown - Behind Adirondack History Center Museum
Manager: Gina Agoney (518) 293-7877
Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com <http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/etown.html>   +
Date: Fridays, May 16-October 10, 2008 9:00-1:00
 
Glens Falls - Large producer-only market, South Street Pavilion
Manager: Richard Sandora (518) 792-0438 +
Date: Saturdays, May 3-Nov. 15, 2007 8:00-12:00
 
Keene - Marcy Airfield between Keene and Keene Valley on Route 73
Manager: Dick Crawford (518) 561-7167
Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com <http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/keene.html>   +
Date: Sundays, June 8-Oct. 12, 2008 9:30-2:00

Lake Placid - 100% producer-only market at Lake Placid Center for the Arts
Manager: Sam Hendren (518) 834-7306
Web Site: lakeplacidmarket.com <http://lakeplacidmarket.com>   +
Date: Wednesdays, June 11-Oct. 15, 2008 9:00-1:00
 
Malone - Malone Airport, Route 11
Manager: Vicky Lesniak (518) 497-0083
Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com <http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/malone.html>   + *
Date: Wednesdays, June 4-Oct. 12, 2008 12:00-4:30
 
Paul Smiths College - Corner of Rte 86 and 30 at Paul Smiths College
Manager: Ellen Beberman (518) 891-7470
Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com  + *
Date: Fridays, June 20-Sept. 26, 2008  2:00-5:00

Plattsburgh - Diversified group of growers, producers and crafters, weekly entertainment at Pavilion downtown by Bridge, Durkee and Broad Streets
Manager: Pat Parker (518) 493-6761
Web Site: plattsburghfarmersandcraftersmarket.com <http://plattsburghfarmersandcraftersmarket.com>  +
Date: Saturdays, May 10-Oct. 11, 2008  9:00-2:00 & Wednesdays, June 25-Sept. 27, 2008  10:00-2:00
Plattsburgh Farmers Green Market - Focus on local farm products & ready-to-eat foods that reflect good stewardship of the earth and our bodies, Plattsburgh Church of the Nazarene parking lot, corner of 187 Broad Street
Manager: Beth Spaugh (518)643-7822
Web Site: plattsburghfarmersmarket.com  +
Date: Thursdays, June 19-October 2, 2008 3:00pm-6:00pm
 
Queensbury - Producer-only market, Elk’s Lodge parking lot, 23 Cronin Rd
Manager: Richard Sandora (518) 792-0438  +
Date: Mondays, May 5 through Oct. 27, 2008 3:00-6:00
 
Saranac - Pavilion behind Saranac Town Hall
Managers: Damian Gormley and Monica Clark (518) 293-8226
Date:  Saturdays, June 21-September, 2008  1:00-5:00

Saranac Lake - Lake Flour Bakery, corner of River & St. Bernard Sts. Manager: Nancy Moriarty (518) 891-7194. Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com <http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/saranaclake.html>   +
Date: Tuesdays, June 3 through Sept. 30, 2008  11:00-3:00
 
Saratoga - All locally grown and produced items, under pavilions at High Rock Park just east of Broadway in Saratoga Springs
Market coordinator: Suzanne Carreker-Voigt SFMAscv@nycap.rr.com mailto:SFMAscv@nycap.rr.com
Website: saratogafarmersmarket.org.  + *
Date: Wednesdays, May 7-Oct. 29, 2008 3:00-6:00; Saturdays, May 3-Oct. 25, 2008 9:00-1:00
 
Schroon Lake - 100% producer-only market in lakefront park
Market contact: Sam Hendren (518) 834-7306 +
Date: Mondays, June 30-Sept. 1, 2008  9:00-1:00
 
Speculator - Located at pavilion in Speculator
Manager: Lisa Turner (518) 548-4521 +
Date: Thursdays, June 26-Aug. 28, 2008 (possibly extended)  3:00-6:00.

Wadhams - 100% locally produced items, corner of Rte. 22 and Co. Rte. 10, near Dogwood Bread Company
Manager: Shelle Bailey (518) 962-4039
Date: Saturdays, June 28-Aug. 30, 9:00-1:00

Warrensburg - Located at historic River Street Park on Rte. 418 along Schroon River in Warrensburg
Contact: Teresa Whalen, 466-5497  +
Date: Fridays, June 6-Oct. 31, 2008  3:00-6:00

Whitehall - Boulevard in Village Park along canal
Manager: Bob Anderson (518) 854-3750  +
Date: Tuesdays, June 3-late Oct., 2008  1:00-4:00

Wilmington - Heritage Park, Corner of Rt. 86 and Hazelton Rd
Manager: Gina Agoney (518) 293-7877
Web Site: adirondackfarmersmarket.com <http://adirondackfarmersmarket.com/wilmington.html>  +
Date: Thursdays, July 3-Aug. 28, 2008  9:00-1:00
 
 
Western Adirondacks Region
Alexandria Bay - Kinney lot, Rte. 12  
Manager: Georgene McKinley (315) 482-9531  +
Date:  Fridays, May 30-Sept. 26, 2008  9:00-3:00

Brasher Falls/Tri-Town - Free to vendors, produce & crafts, Downtown Brasher Falls on the river.  Coordinator: Michelle First (315) 389-5318,  P.O. Box 297, Brasher Falls, NY 13613
Date: Saturdays, July 5-Sept.27, 2008 9:00-2:00

Canton - Canton Village Park, corner of Main and Park Streets
Manager: Jean Thompson jthompson@earthlink.net  
Web Site: cantonfarmersmarket.org   * +
Date: Tuesdays, May 20-Oct. 28, Fridays, May 16-Oct. 31, 2008  9:00-2:00
 
Cape Vincent - Village Green, Broadway (Rte. 12)  
Manager: Shelley Higgins (315) 654-2481  +
Date: Saturdays, June 28-Sept. 27, 2008  8:00-2:00
 
Carthage - Market Pavilion, Riverside Drive  
Manager: Tammy Trowbridge (315) 493-3590  +
Date: Fridays, May 30-Oct. 31, 2008  7:00-2:00.
 
Clayton - Frink Park, Riverside Drive
Manager: Kristina Wormuth (315) 686-3771  +
Date: Thursdays, June 26-Aug. 28, 2008  4:00-8:00
 
Gouverneur - Village Park, Church St
Manager: Lorraine Taylor  (315) 287-3370  +
Date: Thursdays, May 15-Oct. 23, 2008 7:00-1:00
 
Lowville - Wonderful blend of 25 vegetable growers, local food producers and craft vendors, Forest Park Pavilion, Main Gate, Lewis County Fairgrounds
Managers: Doug Hanno (315) 376-5333 and Dolores DeSalvo (315) 376-3061  +
Date: Saturdays, May 10-Oct. 25, 2008 8:30-2:00 (9:30-1:00 in October)
 
Massena - In front of Town Hall building, 60 Main St  
Manager: Claudia Fantone (315) 353-2218   +
Date: Sundays, July 6-Oct. 5, 2008 8:00-3:00, Thursdays, July 3-Oct. 9, 2008 2:00-6:00.
 
Norwood - Park Square, Main St. (Rt. 56) & Park St
Manager: Claudia Fantone (315) 353-2218  +
Date: Mondays, July 7-Oct. 6, 2008  10:00-5:00
 
Ogdensburg Green Market - Library Park, Riverside & State Sts
Managers: Brian Bennett (315) 344-0443 & Sandra Porter (315) 393-3620  +
Date: Saturdays, May 24-October, 2008 9:00-2:00
 
Potsdam (Main St.) - Main St. on sidewalk in front of municipal parking lot next to Clarkson Inn, across from Roxy movie theater
Managers: Jason Rohrer and Lauren Serafin (315)265-0585  +
Date: Wednesdays, August 6-Sept. 24  2:00-6:00, Saturdays, May 3-Oct. 25  10:00-2:00

Potsdam (Pine St. Arena) - Pine St. Arena lot near Agway  
Manager: Claudia Fantone (315) 353-2218  +
Date: Wednesdays, July 9-Oct. 8 9:00-4:00 & Saturdays, July 5-Oct. 4, 2008  9:00-4:00
 
Stone Mills - Agricultural Museum, NY Rte. 180 off Rte 12 S. of LaFargeville  
Manager: Marguerite Raineri  +
Date: Tuesdays, June 17-Sept. 30, 2008 4:00-8:00

Trenton - Friendly, producer-only market on Village Green in Holland Patent  
Contact: Jim Manning (315) 896-8835  +
Date: Saturdays, June 14-October 11, 2008  9:00-1:00
 
Waddington - NYS Rt. 37 & Main St near Episcopal Church
Manager: Paige Roome (315) 322-5490
Date: Fridays, June-September, 2008 4:00-8.00pm
Watertown - Farmer’s and Craft Market,  Dulles State Office Bldg, Washington & Sterling Sts.  Manager: Fara McKinley (315) 788-4400  +
Date: Wednesdays, May 28-Oct. 8, 2008  6:30-3:00
 
Watertown - Monday Neighborhood Farmers’ Market, 203 N. Hamilton St
Manager: Delta Keeney (315) 788-1933  + *
Date: Mondays, July 7-Oct. 6, 2008  3:00-6:00
 
Watertown - Saturday Market, Jefferson Co. Fairgrounds, 600 W.T. Field Dr via Coffeen St.  Manager: Matt Enders (315) 788-2567  +
Date:  Saturdays, July 5-Nov. 1, 2008  9:00-2:00
 
Watertown - Mobile Farmers’ Markets: Midtown Towers, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30; Skyline Apts, Wednesdays, 11:45-12:30; Curtis Apts., Thursdays, 12:00-1:00;  East Hills, Wednesdays, 12:45-1:30; LeRay St. Apts, Thursdays, 1:15-2:15
Manager: Delta Keeney (315) 788-1933  + *
Dates: Wednesdays, Aug. 6-Oct.8, Thursdays, Aug 7-Oct. 9, 2008. Times above.
 
Watertown - Jefferson Bulk Milk Farmers’ Market, corner Rt 3 & Old Rome State Rd  
Manager: Matt Enders (315) 788-2567  +          
Date: Fridays, July 11-Oct. 24, 2008  3:30-7:00

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